Key takeaways
Nifedipine (Procardia XL) and clonidine (Catapres, Nexiclon XR) are both used to treat high blood pressure, but they work in different ways and have different uses. Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure and treat chest pain. It comes in extended-release and immediate-release forms, with the extended-release form being more commonly prescribed. Clonidine, on the other hand, is an alpha agonist that works in the brain to lower stress hormones, slowing your heart rate and relaxing blood vessels. It is available as a tablet and a patch. Clonidine is not usually a first-choice treatment for high blood pressure because it can cause "rebound hypertension" if stopped suddenly and is not recommended for older adults due to the risk of falls. Nifedipine is available in a lower-cost generic form, as are most forms of clonidine. Nexiclon XR (a form of Clonidine) is only available as a brand-name product. Common side effects of nifedipine include swelling in the legs and dizziness, while clonidine can cause dry mouth, drowsiness, and skin reactions with the patch.
