Amlodipine vs. Losartan

See how Amlodipine and Losartan compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Amlodipine and losartan both treat high blood pressure, but one blocks calcium channels and the other blocks an angiotensin hormone receptor.

  • Doctors often combine amlodipine and losartan, sometimes in a single pill, when one drug alone does not fully control blood pressure.

  • Both are taken once daily for most patients, and both have generic versions that are widely available and inexpensive.

Amlodipine vs. Losartan Drug Summary

Amlodipine

Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure, chronic stable angina, and vasospastic angina. It works by relaxing blood vessel walls so the heart pumps against less resistance. It comes as a tablet taken once a day, with or without food.

Losartan

Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat high blood pressure and to protect the kidneys in people with type 2 diabetes. It works by blocking a hormone that narrows blood vessels. It comes as a tablet, usually taken once a day starting at 50 mg.

Amlodipine vs. Losartan Side Effects

Amlodipine

Most common
Edema (up to 10.8%)
Palpitations (up to 4.5%)
Dizziness (up to 3.4%)
Flushing (up to 2.6%)

Losartan

Most common
Upper respiratory infection (up to 8%)
Dizziness (up to 3%)
Nasal congestion (up to 2%)
Back pain (up to 2%)

Amlodipine vs. Losartan Dosage

Amlodipine

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 2.5 mg once daily At the start
Maximum dose 10 mg once daily If needed
Dose changes 2 increases As tolerated

Losartan

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 25 mg once daily At the start
Maximum dose 100 mg once daily If needed
Dose changes 2 increases As tolerated

Amlodipine vs. Losartan Indications

Amlodipine

Amlodipine is FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure, chronic stable angina, and vasospastic (Prinzmetal's) angina. It relaxes blood vessel walls, which lowers blood pressure and reduces how hard the heart has to work. It is also used in coronary artery disease to help prevent chest pain episodes.

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)

  • Chronic stable angina

  • Vasospastic (Prinzmetal's) angina

Losartan

Losartan is FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure and to reduce the risk of stroke in people with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. It is also approved to slow kidney damage in people with type 2 diabetes who have high blood pressure. It works by blocking a hormone that narrows blood vessels.

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)

  • Stroke risk reduction with left ventricular hypertrophy

  • Diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes

Amlodipine vs. Losartan Pros and Cons

Amlodipine

Amlodipine has a long half-life, so blood pressure control stays steady even if a dose is taken a few hours late. It needs no dose adjustment for kidney problems, and it has extra FDA approvals for two types of chest pain that losartan does not cover.

Pros

  • Long half-life keeps blood pressure steady even with a slightly missed dose

  • No dose adjustment needed for kidney problems

  • Also approved for chronic stable angina and vasospastic angina

  • Simple once-daily dosing with just one titration step

Cons

  • Swelling in the legs or ankles (edema) is common and dose-related

  • Stopping it abruptly can worsen chest pain in severe coronary artery disease

  • Titration must be slower in people with severe liver disease

  • Flushing and palpitations can occur, especially at higher doses

Losartan

Losartan blocks the angiotensin hormone instead of calcium channels, making it a common alternative for people who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors because of cough. It needs periodic blood tests to check kidney function and potassium, and it carries an added kidney-protective approval for diabetes.

Pros

  • Extra FDA approval to slow kidney damage in type 2 diabetes with hypertension

  • Approved to lower stroke risk in hypertension with left ventricular hypertrophy

  • Rarely causes the dry cough associated with ACE inhibitors

  • Does not cause the leg swelling seen with calcium channel blockers

Cons

  • Requires periodic blood tests for kidney function and potassium levels

  • Cannot be used during pregnancy due to risk of fetal harm

  • Interacts with NSAIDs and potassium-raising drugs

  • May need a dose increase to 100 mg if 50 mg does not fully control blood pressure

Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore

Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.