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Compare Enalapril vs. Procardia XL

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

Key takeaways

Enalapril (Vasotec) and Nifedipine ER (Procardia XL) are both used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses and side effects. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor that also treats heart failure and is taken once or twice daily. It works by relaxing blood vessels and can cause a dry cough, dizziness, and tiredness. Nifedipine ER, a calcium channel blocker, is used for high blood pressure and chest pain (angina) and is taken once daily. It mainly relaxes blood vessels and can cause swelling in the legs, dizziness, and headaches. Enalapril is available in both pill and liquid forms, while Nifedipine ER is available as an extended-release tablet. Enalapril is not recommended during pregnancy, whereas Nifedipine ER is considered safer for pregnant individuals. Additionally, Nifedipine ER is particularly effective for Black individuals in lowering blood pressure, while Enalapril may not work as well for this group.

  • Enalapril (Vasotec)
    Nifedipine er (Procardia XL)
  • Enalapril (Vasotec)
    Nifedipine er (Procardia XL)

  • Summary of Enalapril vs. Procardia XL

    Summary for ACE inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Enalapril (Vasotec) is a first-choice medication used for treating high blood pressure. It's also approved for heart failure. Enalapril (Vasotec) belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It's taken by mouth, once or twice daily. Enalapril (Vasotec) doesn't cause many side effects, but some include tiredness, dizziness, and cough.

    Summary for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Prescription only

    Nifedipine (Procardia, Procardia XL) is a calcium channel blocker (CCB). It's used to treat certain heart conditions, such as chest pain (angina) and high blood pressure in adults. It mainly works by relaxing your blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow. Nifedipine is available as an extended-release pill (ER) that's taken by mouth once daily, and a immediate-release pill (IR) that's taken three times a day. Keep in mind the nifedipine IR is rarely prescribed. Some side effects of nifedipine include swelling in the legs, dizziness, tiredness, and headache.

  • Indications of Enalapril vs. Procardia XL

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure
    Indications for
    •Chest pain (angina)
    •High blood pressure (hypertension) - extended-release tablets only

  • Pros and Cons of Enalapril vs. Procardia XL

    Pros and Const for ACE inhibitor
    Pros
    •A first-choice blood pressure lowering medication for many people
    •Taken by mouth
    •Can be taken by children as young as 1 month old (high blood pressure only)
    •Available as a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •More likely to cause a dry cough, compared to angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
    •Can't be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    •Might not work as well for lowering high blood pressure in black people
    •Need to take twice daily for heart failure
    Pros and Const for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Pros
    •Lowers risk of heart attack and stroke in people with high blood pressure
    •Can take it alone or with other medications to help with blood pressure or chest pain
    •Calcium channel blockers, such as nifedipine ER (Procardia XL), work especially well for Black people to lower blood pressure
    •The extended-release tablets are taken once daily
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic form
    Cons
    •Often causes swelling in the legs and feet
    •Not a good choice if you have heart failure because of risk for swelling
    •If you have severe heart disease, it can raise your risk of having a heart attack or worsening chest pain
    •The immediate-release capsule needs to be taken 3 to 4 times a day

  • Common Side Effects of Enalapril vs. Procardia XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling tired (3%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Extended-release tablets:

    •Swelling (edema) in the legs, feet, or hands (10-30%)
    •Headache (16%)
    •Fatigue (6%)
    •Dizziness (4%)

    Immediate-release capsules:

    •Dizziness or lightheadedness (27%)
    •Flushing (25%)
    •Headache (23%)
    •Weakness (12%)
    •Nausea (11%)
    •Swelling (10%)

  • Warnings of Enalapril vs. Procardia XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for use during pregnancy
    •Angioedema (swelling)
    •Low blood pressure
    •Worsening kidney problems
    •Heart problems due to high potassium
    •Liver problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure
    •Risk of worsening chest pain or heart attack
    •Risk of heart failure
    •Swelling in legs and feet
    •Stomach or intestinal injury (extended-release form only)

  • Prices with our coupons for Enalapril vs. Procardia XL

    Learn more about Enalapril
    Learn more about Nifedipine er

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