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Compare Losartan vs. Procardia XL

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

Key takeaways

Losartan (Cozaar) and nifedipine ER (Procardia XL) are both used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different drug classes and work in different ways. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that helps relax blood vessels and reduce water retention, while nifedipine ER is a calcium channel blocker (CCB) that mainly works by relaxing blood vessels to improve blood flow. Losartan is also used to lower the risk of stroke and slow down kidney problems in people with diabetes, whereas nifedipine ER is used to treat chest pain (angina) in addition to high blood pressure. Both medications are typically taken once daily and are available as a lower-cost generics. Nifedipine ER is especially effective for Black people in lowering blood pressure, but it is not recommended for people with heart failure. Both medications can cause dizziness, but losartan may also lead to upper respiratory infections, while nifedipine ER can cause leg swelling and headaches.

  • Losartan (Cozaar)
    Nifedipine er (Procardia XL)
  • Losartan (Cozaar)
    Nifedipine er (Procardia XL)

  • Summary of Losartan vs. Procardia XL

    Summary for ARB
    Prescription only

    Losartan, also known by the brand name Cozaar, is a first-choice medication that's used to lower blood pressure. It's also shown to protect against stroke in certain people. In addition, this medication can slow down the worsening of kidney problems in certain people with diabetes. Losartan (Cozaar) belongs to the drug class called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). This medication is taken by mouth once daily and is available as a lower-cost generic. Side effects can include dizziness, fatigue, and upper respiratory infections.

    Summary for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Prescription only

    Nifedipine (Procardia, Procardia XL) is a calcium channel blocker (CCB). It's used to treat certain heart conditions, such as chest pain (angina) and high blood pressure in adults. It mainly works by relaxing your blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow. Nifedipine is available as an extended-release pill (ER) that's taken by mouth once daily, and a immediate-release pill (IR) that's taken three times a day. Keep in mind the nifedipine IR is rarely prescribed. Some side effects of nifedipine include swelling in the legs, dizziness, tiredness, and headache.

  • Indications of Losartan vs. Procardia XL

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Lower the risk of stroke in people with high blood pressure who have a thickened heart (left ventricular hypertrophy)
    •Slow down the worsening of kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure
    Indications for
    •Chest pain (angina)
    •High blood pressure (hypertension) - extended-release tablets only

  • Pros and Cons of Losartan vs. Procardia XL

    Pros and Const for ARB
    Pros
    •A first-choice blood pressure medication, including for those with heart failure, diabetes, and kidney problems
    •Taken once per day
    •Can be taken by children as young as 6 years old
    •Works similarly to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, but with fewer side effects, like cough and swelling
    Cons
    •Might cause dizziness
    •Might not work as well for Black people as other blood pressure medications do
    •Not safe to use during pregnancy
    •Can interact with medications like lithium and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
    Pros and Const for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Pros
    •Lowers risk of heart attack and stroke in people with high blood pressure
    •Can take it alone or with other medications to help with blood pressure or chest pain
    •Calcium channel blockers, such as nifedipine ER (Procardia XL), work especially well for Black people to lower blood pressure
    •The extended-release tablets are taken once daily
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic form
    Cons
    •Often causes swelling in the legs and feet
    •Not a good choice if you have heart failure because of risk for swelling
    •If you have severe heart disease, it can raise your risk of having a heart attack or worsening chest pain
    •The immediate-release capsule needs to be taken 3 to 4 times a day

  • Common Side Effects of Losartan vs. Procardia XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory infection (e.g., common cold; 8%)
    •Dizziness (3%)
    •Stuffy nose (2%)
    •Back pain (2%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Extended-release tablets:

    •Swelling (edema) in the legs, feet, or hands (10-30%)
    •Headache (16%)
    •Fatigue (6%)
    •Dizziness (4%)

    Immediate-release capsules:

    •Dizziness or lightheadedness (27%)
    •Flushing (25%)
    •Headache (23%)
    •Weakness (12%)
    •Nausea (11%)
    •Swelling (10%)

  • Warnings of Losartan vs. Procardia XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Kidney damage
    •High potassium levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure
    •Risk of worsening chest pain or heart attack
    •Risk of heart failure
    •Swelling in legs and feet
    •Stomach or intestinal injury (extended-release form only)

  • Prices with our coupons for Losartan vs. Procardia XL

    Learn more about Losartan
    Learn more about Nifedipine er

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