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Compare Catapres-TTS vs. Capoten

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

Key takeaways

Clonidine (Catapres-TTS, Nexiclon XR) and captopril (Capoten) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different medication classes. Clonidine is an alpha agonist that works by lowering the activity of stress hormones in the brain, while captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that relaxes blood vessels by blocking a specific protein. Clonidine is available in oral and topical forms, including immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and patches, whereas captopril is only available as an oral tablet. Clonidine is not a first-choice medication for high blood pressure due to the risk of rebound hypertension if stopped suddenly, while captopril is often a first-choice option. Captopril is also used for heart failure, improving survival after a heart attack, and preventing kidney problems in people with diabetes, which are not indications for clonidine. Clonidine can cause side effects like dry mouth and drowsiness, while captopril may lead to a dry cough and changes in taste. Additionally, captopril can interact with NSAIDs and certain antidepressants, whereas clonidine can interact with other blood pressure or mood medications.

  • Clonidine
    Captopril
  • Clonidine
    Captopril

  • Summary of Catapres-TTS vs. Capoten

    Summary for Alpha agonist
    Prescription only

    Clonidine is a prescription medication that can be used to treat high blood pressure. It comes in 3 forms: topical patch, immediate-release tablet, and extended-release tablet. Clonidine usually isn't a first-choice option to treat high blood pressure because it can cause "rebound hypertension" (sudden rise in blood pressure) when the medication is suddenly stopped. Clonidine also isn't recommended for older adults since it can raise the risk for falls.

    Summary for ACE inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It's used in adults to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and to prevent the worsening of kidney problems in people who have diabetes. Captopril is available as a tablet that's taken by mouth two to three times per day. Your healthcare team will help determine your dose based on different factors, such as how high your blood pressure is and what other medications you're taking. Side effects include a dry cough, changes in taste, and dizziness. Brand name Capoten has been discontinued; captopril is only available as a generic medication.

  • Indications of Catapres-TTS vs. Capoten

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure (in combination with other medications)
    •Improve survival after heart attack in people who have heart failure
    •Prevent worsening kidney problems in people who have diabetes (diabetic nephropathy)

  • Pros and Cons of Catapres-TTS vs. Capoten

    Pros and Const for Alpha agonist
    Pros
    •Can be take along with other other blood pressure medications to help manage blood pressure
    •Available in a once-weekly patch for people who can't take medicine by mouth
    •Immediate-release tablets and patches available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Taking it with alcohol can cause excessive sleepiness
    •Can raise the risk for falls in older adults
    •Can cause dangerously high blood pressure if stopped too suddenly or if a dose is missed
    Pros and Const for ACE inhibitor
    Pros
    •A first-choice medication for lowering blood pressure for many people
    •Taken by mouth
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Taken two to three times per day
    •Need to take on an empty stomach, 1 hour before meals
    •Can't take during pregnancy

  • Common Side Effects of Catapres-TTS vs. Capoten

    Common Side Effects for

    The following side effects are those reported with immediate-release clonidine:

    •Dry mouth (40%)
    •Drowsiness (33%)
    •Dizziness (16%)
    •Constipation (10%)
    •Feeling low energy (10%)

    Please note: Side effects for Nexiclon XR are similar to that of immediate-release clonidine

    The following side effects are those reported with clonidine patch:

    •Itchy rash (26%)
    •Dry mouth (25%)
    •Drowsiness (12%)
    •Blisters (7%)
    •Feeling tired (6%)
    •Headache (5%)
    •Skin becomes darker (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin rash (up to 7%)
    •Changes in taste (up to 4%)
    •Dry cough (up to 2%)
    •Itching (2%)

  • Warnings of Catapres-TTS vs. Capoten

    Common Side Effects for
    •Withdrawal
    •Sleepiness and dizziness
    •Heart problem
    •Skin reactions (clonidine patches)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not safe during pregnancy
    •Angioedema (swelling) and serious allergic reactions
    •Risk of infection (lower white blood cell count)
    •Low blood pressure
    •Worsening kidney problems
    •High potassium levels
    •Risk of liver problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Catapres-TTS vs. Capoten

    Learn more about Clonidine
    Learn more about Captopril

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