Two medicines, side by side
Lisinopril vs diltiazem
Lisinopril and diltiazem are both labeled for high blood pressure. Drugs@FDA records approvals of lisinopril since 1987 and of diltiazem since 1982. Pharmacies paid $0.0254 per lisinopril 20 mg tablet and $0.144 per diltiazem 24h ER(cd) 120 mg capsule (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like. Lisinopril's other strengths are brand-only: $4.50 per mL (Qbrelis 1 mg/mL solution). In FDA's classes, lisinopril is an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and diltiazem a calcium channel blocker.
Check it at the source: the lisinopril FDA label on DailyMed (effective January 2, 2025); the diltiazem FDA label on DailyMed (effective August 7, 2026).
Highlights of the lisinopril record
Lisinopril (Zestril) · label of January 2, 2025
FETAL TOXICITY When pregnancy is detected, discontinue ZESTRIL as soon as possible [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. WARNING: FETAL TOXICITY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. When pregnancy is detected, discontinue Zestril as soon as possible.
Used for
From the label: indicationsZestril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor indicated for: Treatment of hypertension in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older ( 1.1 ) Adjunct therapy for heart failure ( 1.2 ) Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction ( 1.3 ) 1.1 Hypertension Zestril is indicated for the treatment of hypertension in adult patients and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older to lower blood pressure. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- December 29, 1987
- Generic labelers
- 36 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0254 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 28
Highlights of the diltiazem record
Diltiazem (Cardizem) · label of August 7, 2026
Used for
From the label: indicationsHypertension Tiazac is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. It may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive medications. Chronic Stable Angina Tiazac is indicated for the treatment of chronic stable angina.
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- November 5, 1982
- Generic labelers
- 50 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.144 per capsule
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- A presentation being discontinued
- Recalls
- 29
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Lisinopril label of January 2, 2025, Diltiazem label of August 7, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do lisinopril and diltiazem differ on the record?
In FDA's classes, lisinopril is an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and diltiazem a calcium channel blocker.
How each works, in its label's words: Lisinopril, “Lisinopril inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in human subjects and animals.”; Diltiazem, “Mechanisms of Action Hypertension: Diltiazem produces its antihypertensive effect primarily by relaxation of vascular smooth muscle and the resultant decrease in peripheral vascular resistance.”
Half-life, in each label's words: Lisinopril, “Upon multiple dosing, lisinopril exhibits an effective half-life of 12 hours.”; Diltiazem, “The plasma elimination half-life of diltiazem is approximately 3.0 to 4.5 hours.”
Only the lisinopril label carries a boxed warning.
Generics: lisinopril since 2002; diltiazem since 1992 (Drugs@FDA).
| Lisinopril | Diltiazem | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | High blood pressure, Heart attack and coronary artery disease, Heart failure | High blood pressure, Angina, Atrial fibrillation |
| Pharmacologic class | Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor | Calcium Channel Blocker |
| How it works (label) | Lisinopril inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in human subjects and animals. ACE is a peptidyl dipeptidase that catalyzes the conversion of angiotensin I to the vasoconstrictor substance, angiotensin II. | Mechanisms of Action Hypertension: Diltiazem produces its antihypertensive effect primarily by relaxation of vascular smooth muscle and the resultant decrease in peripheral vascular resistance. |
| Half-life (label) | Upon multiple dosing, lisinopril exhibits an effective half-life of 12 hours. | The plasma elimination half-life of diltiazem is approximately 3.0 to 4.5 hours. |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | December 29, 1987 | November 5, 1982 |
| First generic approved | July 1, 2002 | November 5, 1992 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 36 labelers | 50 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.0254 per tablet (Lisinopril 20 mg tablet) | $0.144 per capsule (Diltiazem 24h ER(cd) 120 mg capsule) |
| 12-month price change | -3% | -4% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | No |
| Shortage now | No current entry | A presentation being discontinued |
| Recalls recorded | 28 | 29 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 304,309 | 34,213 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Alternatives to lisinopril
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions