Compare Plendil vs. Hydrochlorothiazide
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Felodipine ER (Plendil) and hydrochlorothiazide are both used to treat high blood pressure, but they work in different ways and belong to different drug classes. Felodipine ER is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure and is typically taken once daily. In contrast, hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (water pill) that helps you urinate more to remove extra fluid and certain electrolytes, which also lowers blood pressure. Hydrochlorothiazide can be taken once or twice daily, depending on the condition being treated. Felodipine ER is not recommended for people with heart failure, while hydrochlorothiazide must be used with caution in people with severe kidney or liver problems. Common side effects of felodipine ER include swelling, headache, and flushing, whereas hydrochlorothiazide commonly causes dizziness, increased urination, and sensitivity to sunlight. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics, but felodipine ER should not be cut or split due to its extended-release formulation.
- Felodipine er (Plendil)Hydrochlorothiazide
- Felodipine er (Plendil)Hydrochlorothiazide
Summary of Plendil vs. Hydrochlorothiazide
Summary for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)Prescription onlyFelodipine ER (Plendil) is a calcium channel blocker. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels. This medication is one of the first-choice options for treating high blood pressure in adults. It's taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some side effects of this medication include swelling, headache, and flushing. Brand name Plendil has been discontinued.
Summary for Diuretic (water pill)Prescription onlyHydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic or water pill. It helps lower blood pressure. It also helps with swelling from fluid buildup (edema) caused by some health conditions, like heart failure and kidney problems. People of all ages can take hydrochlorothiazide tablets and capsules. But children typically take much smaller, weight-based doses. You typically take your dose by mouth once (sometimes twice) daily, but avoid nighttime dosing so you won't wake up to urinate. Some common side effects are dizziness and urinating more often.
Indications of Plendil vs. Hydrochlorothiazide
Indications for•High blood pressure (hypertension)Indications for•Swelling in the body from fluid buildup (edema)Pros and Cons of Plendil vs. Hydrochlorothiazide
Pros and Const for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)Pros•Taken by mouth•Taken once daily•Available as a lower-cost generic medicationCons•Only available as a tablet•Not a good choice if you've heart failure•Not recommended in pregnancyPros and Const for Diuretic (water pill)Pros•Helps getting rid of extra fluid in your body•Dose can be adjusted based on how well it's working for youCons•Can make you urinate more often•Can cause electrolytes and fluid levels to be out of balance, which can be dangerous•Might not be a good option for people with a sulfa allergyCommon Side Effects of Plendil vs. Hydrochlorothiazide
Common Side Effects for•Swelling in the arms, hands, legs, or feet (up to 17%)•Headache (up to 15%)•Flushing (up to 7%)Common Side Effects for•Dizziness•Weakness•Headache•Blurry vision•Low blood pressure•Change in electrolyte levelsWarnings of Plendil vs. Hydrochlorothiazide
Common Side Effects for•Severely low blood pressure•Caution with heart failure•SwellingCommon Side Effects for•Low fluid and electrolyte levels in the body•Possibly higher calcium levels•Higher blood sugar•Risk of gout•Risk of vision problems and glaucoma•Use with caution in people with kidney problemsPrices with our coupons for Plendil vs. Hydrochlorothiazide
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