Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Hydralazine (generic name: hydralazine) and Digoxin (generic name: digoxin) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different conditions and belong to different drug classes. Hydralazine is a vasodilator used to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, and it is typically taken multiple times a day. Common side effects include headache, stomach upset, and a fast heart rate. On the other hand, Digoxin is an antiarrhythmic medication used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation (AFib) by helping the heart pump more strongly and slowing down electrical activity in the heart. It is usually taken once or twice daily, and side effects can include changes in vision, stomach upset, and dizziness. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning small changes in dosage can lead to serious side effects, including digoxin toxicity. While both medications are available in generic forms, Hydralazine is less commonly used for blood pressure control and is often a second-choice option, whereas Digoxin requires regular blood tests to monitor its levels due to its potential for toxicity.
Hydralazine
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Hydralazine
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Summary of Hydralazine vs. Digoxin
Summary for Vasodilator
Prescription only
Hydralazine is a medication that's used to lower blood pressure. It's less commonly used for blood pressure, but it can be helpful when other first-choice medications aren't working. The dosage varies quite a bit; not everyone will take the same dose, but this medication is typically taken a few times a day. Common side effects include headache, stomach upset, and a fast heart rate. Hydralazine is available as a lower-cost generic tablet (there's no brand-name version).
Summary for Antiarrhythmic
Prescription only
Digoxin (Lanoxin) is an antiarrhythmic medication used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation (AFib) in adults and children. It's taken by mouth typically once or twice daily, but the specific dosage will depend on several things like your age, weight, and blood digoxin levels. Side effects include changes in vision, stomach upset, and dizziness. There's also a risk of digoxin toxicity, which means having too much of the medication in your body. This can lead to severe side effects such as vision changes and changes to the heart rhythm.