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Hydrochlorothiazide vs. Prazosin

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.

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

• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Headache
• Blurry vision
• Low blood pressure
• Change in electrolyte levels

• 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

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.

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

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

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