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Compare Procardia XL vs. Prazosin

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

Key takeaways

Nifedipine (Procardia XL) and prazosin (Minipress) are both used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct characteristics. Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker (CCB) that also treats chest pain (angina) by relaxing blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow. It is available in both extended-release (ER) and immediate-release (IR) forms, with the ER form taken once daily and the IR form taken three to four times a day. Prazosin, on the other hand, is an alpha blocker that also relaxes blood vessels but is typically taken 2 to 3 times a day. Unlike nifedipine, prazosin is not a first-choice medication for lowering blood pressure due to its side effects like dizziness, headache, and sleepiness. Additionally, prazosin is sometimes used off-label to help with PTSD-related nightmares, though its effectiveness for this use is debated. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options. However, nifedipine tends to cause more swelling in the legs and feet, while prazosin can lead to a rare but serious condition called priapism, a painful erection lasting more than 4 hours.

  • Nifedipine er (Procardia XL)
    Prazosin (Minipress)
  • Nifedipine er (Procardia XL)
    Prazosin (Minipress)

  • Summary of Procardia XL vs. Prazosin

    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.

    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 Procardia XL vs. Prazosin

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

  • Pros and Cons of Procardia XL vs. Prazosin

    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
    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 Procardia XL vs. Prazosin

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

  • Warnings of Procardia XL vs. Prazosin

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Procardia XL vs. Prazosin

    Learn more about Nifedipine er
    Learn more about Prazosin

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