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Compare Lisinopril vs. Prazosin

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

Key takeaways

Lisinopril (Zestril) and prazosin (Minipress) are both medications used to lower high blood pressure, but they belong to different drug classes and have distinct characteristics. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that works by blocking a protein to relax blood vessels. It's typically taken once daily and is also used to treat heart failure and reduce the risk of death after a heart attack. Common side effects include cough, dizziness, and headache. On the other hand, prazosin is an alpha blocker that relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure. It's usually taken 2 to 3 times a day. It's not a first-choice medication for high blood pressure due to side effects like dizziness, headache, and drowsiness. Additionally, prazosin is sometimes used off-label for PTSD-related nightmares, although its effectiveness for this use is debated. Both medications are available in lower-cost generic forms.

  • Lisinopril (Zestril)
    Prazosin (Minipress)
  • Lisinopril (Zestril)
    Prazosin (Minipress)

  • Summary of Lisinopril vs. Prazosin

    Summary for ACE inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Lisinopril (Zestril) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, or ACE inhibitor. It's used to treat high blood pressure in people 6 years and older. In adults, it's also approved to manage heart failure and to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. Lisinopril (Zestril) comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth once daily. There's also an oral solution available under the brand name Qbrelis. Some side effects include dizziness, cough, and headache.

    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 Lisinopril vs. Prazosin

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in people ages 6 years and older
    •Heart failure in adults
    •Lowering the risk of death after a heart attack in adults
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure (hypertension)

  • Pros and Cons of Lisinopril vs. Prazosin

    Pros and Const for ACE inhibitor
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once per day
    •A first-choice medication for high blood pressure
    •Also helpful for heart failure and after a heart attack
    •Okay for children as young as 6 years old to take to treat high blood pressure
    Cons
    •More likely to cause dry cough than ARBs
    •Can make you feel dizzy, especially at first
    •Might not work as well for lowering blood pressure in Black people
    •Not safe during 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 Lisinopril vs. Prazosin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (up to 19%)
    •Low blood pressure (up to 11%)
    •Higher creatinine levels (up to 10%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (10%)
    •Headache (8%)
    •Drowsiness (8%)
    •Lack of energy (7%)
    •Weakness (7%)
    •Pounding heart (5%)
    •Nausea (5%)

  • Warnings of Lisinopril vs. Prazosin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to an unborn baby
    •Angioedema (swelling)
    •Low blood pressure
    •Possible worsening of kidney problems
    •High potassium levels
    •Liver 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 Lisinopril vs. Prazosin

    Learn more about Lisinopril
    Learn more about Prazosin

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