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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)

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Nifedipine ER

(Procardia XL)

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Summary for Enalapril

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.

Indications for Enalapril

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart failure

Pros and Cons for Enalapril

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

Common Side Effects for Enalapril

  • Feeling tired (3%)

Warnings for Enalapril

  • Not for use during pregnancy
  • Angioedema (swelling)
  • Low blood pressure
  • Worsening kidney problems
  • Heart problems due to high potassium
  • Liver problems

Summary for Procardia XL

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 for Procardia XL

  • Chest pain (angina)
  • High blood pressure (hypertension) - extended-release tablets only

Pros and Cons for Procardia XL

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 for Procardia XL

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 for Procardia XL

  • 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

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Enalapril60 tablets / 20mg
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Nifedipine ER (Procardia XL)30 tablets / 30mg
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