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Compare Hydrochlorothiazide vs. Prazosin

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

Key takeaways

Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) and prazosin (Minipress) are both medications used to lower high blood pressure, but they work in different ways and belong to different drug classes. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, also known as a water pill, that helps you urinate more to remove extra fluid and certain electrolytes from your body. This helps lower blood pressure and reduce swelling. Prazosin, on the other hand, is an alpha blocker that relaxes your blood vessels to help blood flow more easily. Hydrochlorothiazide is typically taken once daily, while prazosin is usually taken 2 to 3 times a day. Common side effects of hydrochlorothiazide include dizziness and frequent urination, whereas prazosin can cause dizziness, headache, and drowsiness. Hydrochlorothiazide is often a first-choice treatment for high blood pressure, while prazosin is not usually the first option due to its side effects. Both medications are available in lower-cost generic forms.

  • Hydrochlorothiazide
    Prazosin (Minipress)
  • Hydrochlorothiazide
    Prazosin (Minipress)

  • Summary of Hydrochlorothiazide vs. Prazosin

    Summary for Diuretic (water pill)
    Prescription only

    Hydrochlorothiazide 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.

    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 Hydrochlorothiazide vs. Prazosin

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Swelling in the body from fluid buildup (edema)
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure (hypertension)

  • Pros and Cons of Hydrochlorothiazide vs. Prazosin

    Pros and Const for Diuretic (water pill)
    Pros
    •Helps getting rid of extra fluid in your body
    •A first-choice treatment option if you have high blood pressure or heart failure
    •Dose can be adjusted based on how well it's working for you
    Cons
    •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 allergy
    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 Hydrochlorothiazide vs. Prazosin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Weakness
    •Headache
    •Blurry vision
    •Low blood pressure
    •Change in electrolyte levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (10%)
    •Headache (8%)
    •Drowsiness (8%)
    •Lack of energy (7%)
    •Weakness (7%)
    •Pounding heart (5%)
    •Nausea (5%)

  • Warnings of Hydrochlorothiazide vs. Prazosin

    Common 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 problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dangerously low blood pressure and risk of fainting
    •Painful erection (priapism)
    •Eye problems during surgery

  • Prices with our coupons for Hydrochlorothiazide vs. Prazosin

    Learn more about Hydrochlorothiazide
    Learn more about Prazosin

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