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.
