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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)

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Prazosin

(Minipress)

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Summary for Lisinopril

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.

Indications for Lisinopril

Pros and Cons for Lisinopril

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

Common Side Effects for Lisinopril

  • Dizziness (up to 19%)
  • Low blood pressure (up to 11%)
  • Higher creatinine levels (up to 10%)

Warnings for Lisinopril

  • Harm to an unborn baby
  • Angioedema (swelling)
  • Low blood pressure
  • Possible worsening of kidney problems
  • High potassium levels
  • Liver problems

Summary for Prazosin

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 for Prazosin

Pros and Cons for Prazosin

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 for Prazosin

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

Warnings for Prazosin

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

Prices with our coupons for Lisinopril vs. Prazosin

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Lisinopril30 tablets / 20mg
$7.79$13.68
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Prazosin30 capsules / 1mg
$12.90$16.69
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