Amlodipine vs Losartan: Which Blood Pressure Drug Is Right for You?

02/23/2026

 

Understanding Amlodipine and Losartan

Amlodipine is the active ingredient present in the brand-name drug Norvasc, which belongs to the drug category known as Calcium channel blockers (CCBs). Amlodipine is approved by the FDA for treating high blood pressure in adults; it is also used for chronic chest pain or angina. It helps address high blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and inhibiting the entry of calcium into the heart and arterial cells. This reduces the workload of the heart, thereby lowering high blood pressure. The working mechanism of this drug also reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. The medication is available as oral tablets and solution in 5mg and 10mg.

Losartan, on the other hand, is the generic form of the brand-name drug Cozaar, approved by the FDA for the treatment of hypertension in adults and children above 6 years. The medicine belongs to the class of drugs known as Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). It functions by inhibiting certain chemicals that tighten blood vessels, which aids the heart in pumping with ease, leading to a lowering of blood pressure. Besides helping lower high blood pressure, Losartan is also prescribed to minimize the possibility of strokes in people with specific heart conditions and to prevent further worsening of kidney function in people with Type 2 diabetes. Losartan is available as oral pills in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. Losartan also comes in combination with Hydrochlorothiazide (under the brand name Hyzaar).

Warnings and Precautions

Before you start taking either Amlodipine or Losartan, you must go through the guidelines below to minimize the risk of any adverse effects.

• You must inform your doctor of any health condition you have or may have had in the past, particularly kidney, liver, or heart diseases, Type 2 Diabetes, Coronary Artery Diseases (CAD), etc, since they require frequent monitoring by the doctor.

• You must inform your doctor of any medications you might be taking, including prescription, OTC medicines, herbal drugs, or any health supplements, to avoid any drug interactions.

• It is crucial to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking Losartan, since this medication may seriously harm the foetus. Also, inform your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding.

Benefits associated with Amlodipine and Losartan

Amlodipine

• A few studies suggest Amlodipine has a slight edge in reducing systolic blood pressure significantly.

• Amongst African Americans and Hispanics, the onset of effectiveness of Amlodipine was faster.

• It offers more stable control of high blood pressure when a dose is missed or skipped.

• Amlodipine is preferred over Losartan when finances come into play, since Amlodipine is more cost-effective. People with a fixed income may buy cheap hypertension drugs from online pharmacies, as they offer quality products at affordable prices.

Losartan

• Losartan is generally prescribed for lowering hypertension in people with Type 2 diabetes and with kidney ailments, as it offers protection to the kidneys.

• People may be put on Losartan (an ARB) if they are allergic to Amlodipine (a CCB) or if they did not achieve the desired results after using Amlodipine.

• Losartan is considered to cause fewer side effects when compared to Amlodipine.

Risks Involved with Amlodipine and Losartan

The risks or common side effects associated with both these medications are almost similar, with slight variations, which have been discussed below.

Amlodipine

• Amlodipine is considered to cause more side effects than Losartan and hence has increased treatment withdrawals.

• Poses the risk of bringing the blood pressure excessively low (hypotension).

• People with Liver ailments may require adjustment of the dosage.

• It may cause the chest pain or angina to worsen.

• May interact with other drugs, specific antibiotics, and some statins.

Losartan

• The medication causes dizziness and hence increases the risk of falls, especially upon standing.

• May cause increased potassium levels in the blood, also known as Hyperkalaemia.

• The medication is not deemed safe for use during pregnancy as it may harm the foetus.

• People with liver and kidney ailments should take this medicine under the supervision of healthcare experts.

Alternate Measures to Lower Blood Pressure

Although there are various medications for hypertension, a slight increase in blood pressure can be addressed with lifestyle changes, and medications should be the last resort. A few effective lifestyle changes are listed below:

• Staying physically active

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Consuming a low-sodium (salt) diet

• Quitting the use of tobacco

• Limiting alcohol intake

Conclusion

Hypertension is prevalent globally, and the numbers are only growing with the days. It often goes unnoticed for years, as there are no visible symptoms initially, and one learns of it only when the condition has worsened. However, the good part is that the condition can be effectively tackled with lifestyle adjustments and medications. Amlodipine and Losartan are very popular medications that are considered the first line of treatment to address hypertension. Both these drugs work effectively in tackling the condition, and their common side effects are almost alike. It may be difficult to say which is better, as each has its own set of pros and cons as discussed above. Your doctor would help you decide which to pick among these, based on your overall health condition and your body’s tolerance to the medication. Working with your doctor and sticking to the recommended dosage and treatment duration will help you achieve the desired results.