Captopril vs Lisinopril: Key Differences and What You Need to Know

When it comes to managing high blood pressure, two names come up again and again: Captopril, a first-generation ACE inhibitor developed in the 1970s that helped revolutionize hypertension treatment. Also known as Capoten, it was one of the first oral drugs to directly target the renin-angiotensin system. Lisinopril, a later-generation ACE inhibitor that’s longer-acting and taken just once daily. Also known as Prinivil or Zestril, it became the go-to choice for millions because of its simplicity and steady effect. Both are ACE inhibitors, meaning they block the enzyme that narrows blood vessels — but that’s where the similarities mostly end.

Here’s the real difference: Captopril works fast but doesn’t last long. You might need to take it two or three times a day, and it’s more likely to cause a dry cough or taste changes. Lisinopril? It sticks around for 24 hours, so one pill a day is usually enough. It’s also less likely to mess with your sense of taste. If you’ve been on Captopril and felt like you’re constantly swallowing or your food tastes off, switching to Lisinopril often fixes that. Both lower blood pressure and protect the kidneys in people with diabetes, but Lisinopril is easier to fit into daily life. For someone with heart failure or after a heart attack, either can help — but doctors often pick Lisinopril because it’s more predictable.

Neither drug is perfect. Both can cause dizziness, especially when you stand up too fast. Both need careful monitoring if you have kidney disease. And if you’ve ever had swelling of the face or throat on an ACE inhibitor, you should never take either again — that’s a serious reaction. But if you’re just starting out, or if your current medication isn’t working well, knowing the difference between Captopril and Lisinopril can make a real difference in how you feel day to day.

The posts below dive into real-world comparisons: how these drugs stack up against other blood pressure meds, what side effects people actually report, how cost and availability affect choices, and what alternatives exist if one doesn’t work for you. Whether you’re trying to understand why your doctor switched you from Captopril to Lisinopril — or wondering if you should ask for a change — you’ll find clear, no-fluff answers here.