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Compare Plendil vs. Prazosin

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

Key takeaways

Felodipine ER (Plendil) and prazosin (Minipress) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different drug classes and have distinct characteristics. Felodipine ER is a calcium channel blocker that works by relaxing your blood vessels and is typically taken once daily. In contrast, prazosin is an alpha blocker that also relaxes blood vessels but is usually taken 2 to 3 times a day. Felodipine ER can be a first-choice option for treating high blood pressure, while prazosin is not due to its bothersome side effects like dizziness and drowsiness. Additionally, both medications are available as a lower-cost generic medications. Prazosin is also used off-label for PTSD-related nightmares. Common side effects of felodipine ER include swelling, headache, and flushing, while prazosin can cause dizziness, headache, and drowsiness. Both medications should be taken with caution, especially in older adults, and you should avoid alcohol while taking them to prevent worsening side effects.

  • Felodipine er (Plendil)
    Prazosin (Minipress)
  • Felodipine er (Plendil)
    Prazosin (Minipress)

  • Summary of Plendil vs. Prazosin

    Summary for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Prescription only

    Felodipine 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 Alpha blocker
    Prescription only

    Prazosin (Minipress) is an alpha blocker that's used to lower high blood pressure. It works by relaxing your blood vessels, so blood flows through more easily. Prazosin (Minipress) is taken by mouth, typically 2 to 3 times a day. But it isn't a first-choice medication to lower blood pressure because it can cause bothersome side effects like dizziness, headache, and sleepiness.

  • Indications of Plendil vs. Prazosin

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure (hypertension)
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure (hypertension)

  • Pros and Cons of Plendil vs. Prazosin

    Pros and Const for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Taken once daily
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Only available as a tablet
    •Not a good choice if you've heart failure
    •Not recommended in pregnancy
    Pros and Const for Alpha blocker
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice option for lowering blood pressure
    •Older adults are at higher risk for side effects, like dizziness or drowsiness
    •Taken multiple times a day

  • Common Side Effects of Plendil vs. Prazosin

    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 (10%)
    •Headache (8%)
    •Drowsiness (8%)
    •Lack of energy (7%)
    •Weakness (7%)
    •Pounding heart (5%)
    •Nausea (5%)

  • Warnings of Plendil vs. Prazosin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severely low blood pressure
    •Caution with heart failure
    •Swelling
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dangerously low blood pressure and risk of fainting
    •Painful erection (priapism)
    •Eye problems during surgery

  • Prices with our coupons for Plendil vs. Prazosin

    Learn more about Felodipine er
    Learn more about Prazosin

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