Compare Losartan vs. Catapres

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Cozaar (Losartan)

Prescription only

Catapres (Clonidine)

Prescription only
Lowers blood pressure.

Cozaar (Losartan) is a good blood pressure-lowering medicine that protects kidney function like an ACE inhibitor, but with fewer side effects.

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3.7/ 5 average rating with 535 reviewsforLosartan
Lowers blood pressure.

Catapres (Clonidine) is a good addition if you need more than one medicine to control your blood pressure, but it has a lot of side effects. You can't miss doses.

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3.2/ 5 average rating with 78 reviewsforCatapres
Upsides
  • A first-choice blood pressure treatment for many people.
  • Lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • Similar to ACE inhibitors (like Lisinopril), with fewer side effects like cough and swelling.
  • 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.
  • Can be added to other blood pressure-lowering medicines if you need additional blood pressure control.
  • Available in a weekly patch for people that aren't good at taking medicine by mouth.
  • Works in the brain, so it can help treat some nervous system and psychiatric conditions.
  • Under the brand name Kapvay, it's used to treat ADHD in children and teenagers.
Downsides
  • Requires a yearly blood test to see how the medicine is affecting your body.
  • Not safe to use if you're pregnant.
  • Has a lot of side effects compared to other blood pressure-lowering medicine because it works in the brain.
  • The pill form can make some people sleepy, dizzy, and have dry mouth.
  • You can't miss doses. Stopping Clonidine suddenly can cause your blood pressure to go up suddenly, which raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
  • Extended release
  • Patch
Price
Lowest price
$120.03
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Lowest price
$5.90
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Reviews
535 reviews so far
57%
saidit'sworth it
48%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Cozaar (Losartan)?

Leave a review
78 reviews so far
42%
saidit'sworth it
33%
saiditworked well
35%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Catapres (Clonidine)?

Leave a review
Side effects
4possible side effects
  • Upper respiratory infection
    8%
  • Dizziness
    3%
  • Back pain
    2%
  • Nasal congestion
    2%
See more detailed side effects
17possible side effects
  • Erythema / pruritis
    26%
  • Dry mouth
    25%
  • Drowsiness
    12%
  • Localized vesiculation
    7%
  • Fatigue
    6%
  • Headache
    5%
  • Allergic contact sensitization
    5%
  • Hyperpigmentation
    5%
  • Lethargy
    3%
  • Sedation
    3%
  • Edema
    3%
  • Excoriation
    3%
  • Burning
    3%
  • Insomnia
    2%
  • Dizziness
    2%
  • Impotence/sexual dysfunction
    2%
  • Dry throat
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Harm to fetus
    • Women of childbearing age
  • Liver damage
    • Concurrent liver disease
  • Heart problems due to high potassium
    • Current kidney problems
    • Medicine that increase potassium
    • Use of salt substitute
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Withdrawal
    • Sudden discontinuation of medicine
  • Driving impairment
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
  • Low heart rate (bradycardia)
    • Age 65 years or older
    • Using other medicine(s) that slows the heart
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Cozaar (Losartan)
Learn more about Catapres (Clonidine)