Compare Lisinopril vs. Atenolol
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Lowers blood pressure.
Zestril (lisinopril) is a good blood pressure-lowering medicine that protects kidney function.
●●●●●
3.8/ 5 average rating with 687 reviewsforLisinopril
Lowers blood pressure and controls heart rate.
Tenormin (atenolol) is good for controlling chest pain and treating a heart attack. It has fewer side effects than other beta blockers. You need to take it on an empty stomach and you can't skip doses.
●●●●●
3.6/ 5 average rating with 457 reviewsforAtenolol
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.
- Very cheap drug, and comes available as a liquid for children over 6 years of age.
- A first-choice treatment to prevent chest pain (angina).
- A first-choice treatment for heart attack recovery.
- At lower doses, Tenormin (atenolol) has fewer side effects than other beta blockers because it targets the heart and not other parts of the body.
Downsides
- Up to 10% of people can get a dry cough while using this medicine. It ranges from a mild tickle in the throat to a persistent hacking cough.
- Requires a yearly blood test to see how the medicine is affecting your body.
- Zestril (lisinopril) isn't safe to use if you're pregnant.
- Doesn't work as well in people of African descent, and can cause a greater chance of face, tongue, or lip swelling.
- You need to take Tenormin (atenolol) on an empty stomach.
- Taking a beta blocker might make you feel more tired or out of breath during exercise or normal daily routines. This gets better for most people, but it might not go away for others.
- Not a first-choice treatment for high blood pressure unless you have heart disease. However, your doctor could add it to other medicines you're already if your blood pressure is still too high.
- You can't miss or skip doses. If you stop Tenormin (atenolol) suddenly, it can cause your blood pressure to go up really quickly, raising your risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Tenormin (atenolol) can hide symptoms of low blood sugar if you're diabetic.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$497.46
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$386.18
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
687 reviews so far
61%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
14%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Zestril (lisinopril)?
Leave a review457 reviews so far
58%
saidit'sworth it
48%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Tenormin (atenolol)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
17possible side effects
- Tiredness26%
- Dizziness13%
- Cold arms and legs12%
- Depression12%
- Fatigue6%
- Shortness of breath6%
- Low blood pressure on movement changes4%
- Slower heartbeat3%
- Leg Pain3%
- Light-headedness3%
- Decreased energy3%
- Vivid dreams3%
- Diarrhea3%
- Nausea3%
- Wheeziness3%
- Feeling off balance2%
- Drowsiness2%
Risks and risk factors
- Harm to fetus
- Women of childbearing age
- Cough
- Swelling of face and head
- African descent
- High potassium
- Current kidney problems
- Medicines that increase potassium
- Use of salt substitutes
- Worsening kidney problems
- History of kidney problems
- Low blood pressure
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that lower your blood pressure
- Heart attack or increased chest pain
- Suddenly stopping Tenormin (atenolol)
- Heart failure
- Slowing heart rate
- Taking calcium channel blockers
- Increased risks during surgery
- Major surgery requiring anesthesia
- Masked symptoms of low blood sugar
- Diabetes
- Masked symptoms of overactive thyroid
- Increased risk of rebound high blood pressure
- Taking clonidine