Compare Enalapril vs. Norvasc
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Lowers blood pressure.
Enalapril is a good blood pressure-lowering medicine that protects kidney function.
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3.2/ 5 average rating with 95 reviewsforEnalapril
Lowers blood pressure.
Norvasc (Amlodipine) works well to lower blood pressure and prevent chest pain. You can't miss doses, and you might get persistent swelling.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 443 reviewsforNorvasc
Upsides
- A first-choice blood pressure treatment for many people.
- Lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Protects kidney function, which is especially useful for people with diabetes or mild-to-moderate kidney disease.
- Recommended for anyone with heart failure since it lowers the risk of death and further damage to your heart.
- The only ACE inhibitor that doctors can give through an IV if that's needed.
- A first-choice blood pressure treatment for many people.
- Calcium channel blockers work especially well for African Americans to lower blood pressure.
- Lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Prevents heart-related chest pain (angina) if you take it regularly.
- Each dose lasts longer than other calcium channel blockers, which keeps blood pressure consistent without big ups and downs.
- Particularly good at lowering systolic blood pressure (the top number), so it's a good option for older people who can commonly get high blood pressure only in the top number.
Downsides
- Up to 1 in 10 people can get a dry cough with this medicine. It ranges from a mild tickle in the throat to a persistent hacking cough.
- Compared to other ACE inhibitors, less flexible on when you take it. Enalapril needs to be taken multiple times a day on an empty stomach.
- Requires a yearly blood test to see how the medicine is affecting your body.
- Not safe to use if you're pregnant.
- Calcium channel blockers can cause swelling in your limbs. If this happens for you, it probably won't get better over time, so talk to your doctor about alternatives if it bothers you.
- Women are more likely to have side effects (especially swelling) from Amlodipine than men.
- Some people might experience flushing with this medication.
- You can't miss doses. Stopping Amlodipine suddenly can cause your blood pressure to go up suddenly, which raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- If you have severe heart disease, using Amlodipine might increase your risk of chest pain or heart attack during the time right after starting the medication or raising the dosage.
- Might not be a good choice if you have liver disease.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$497.11
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$6.01
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Reviews
95 reviews so far
44%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
21%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Vasotec (Enalapril)?
Leave a review443 reviews so far
58%
saidit'sworth it
50%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Norvasc (Amlodipine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
14possible side effects
- Dizziness8%
- Hypotension7%
- Orthostatic Effects2%
- Syncope2%
- Chest Pain2%
- Fatigue2%
- Abdominal Pain2%
- Asthenia2%
- Orthostatic Hypotension2%
- Angina Pectoris2%
- Diarrhea2%
- Headache2%
- Vertigo2%
- Cough2%
Risks and risk factors
- Harm to fetus
- Women of childbearing age
- Cough
- Unusual tongue swelling
- African descent
- Heart problems due to high potassium
- Current kidney problems
- Medicine that increase potassium
- Use of salt substitute
- Low blood pressure
- Age 65 years or older
- Heart attack
- History of heart problems
- Special dosing requirements
- Liver disease
- Foot and leg swelling (edema)
- History of blood vessel disease
- History of heart failure
- History of kidney disease
- Obesity