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Procardia XL vs. Diovan

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

Key takeaways

Nifedipine ER (Procardia XL) and valsartan (Diovan) are both used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different medication classes and work in different ways. Nifedipine ER is a calcium channel blocker (CCB) that relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure and treat chest pain. It is available as an extended-release tablet taken once daily. Common side effects include swelling in the legs, dizziness, and headaches. Valsartan, on the other hand, is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that lowers blood pressure by blocking a hormone that tightens blood vessels. It is available as a tablet and liquid, typically taken once or twice a day. Valsartan can cause dizziness and fatigue, and it is not safe to use during pregnancy. While both medications are available in lower-cost generic forms.

Nifedipine ER

(Procardia XL)

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Valsartan

(Diovan)

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Summary for Procardia XL

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 for Procardia XL

  • Chest pain (angina)
  • High blood pressure (hypertension) - extended-release tablets only

Pros and Cons for Procardia XL

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 for Procardia XL

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 for Procardia XL

  • 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)

Summary for Diovan

Prescription only

Valsartan, also known by its brand name, Diovan, is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It's used to treat high blood pressure in adults and children. It's also used to lower the risk of serious heart-related problems in adults with heart failure or in adults after a heart attack. Valsartan (Diovan) is available as a lower-cost generic and comes as a tablet and liquid. The dosage depends on your condition, but it's typically taken by mouth once or twice per day. Potential side effects of valsartan (Diovan) include dizziness and fatigue.

Indications for Diovan

Pros and Cons for Diovan

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Diovan

  • Dizziness (up to 8%)

Note: Side effects were reported by adults who took valsartan for high blood pressure.

Warnings for Diovan

  • Harm to unborn baby
  • Low blood pressure
  • Kidney damage
  • High potassium levels

Prices with our coupons for Procardia XL vs. Diovan

Price Card Drug Icon
Nifedipine ER (Procardia XL)30 tablets / 30mg
$13.60$44.80
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Price Card Drug Icon
Valsartan30 tablets / 160mg
$13.31$27.45
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