Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Propranolol vs. Hydrochlorothiazide

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

Key takeaways

Propranolol (Inderal LA, Inderal XL, Innopran XL) and hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) are both prescription medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different drug classes and work in different ways. Propranolol is a beta blocker that slows down your heart rate and relaxes blood vessels, which can also help with conditions like chest pain, migraines, and tremors. On the other hand, hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, or water pill, that helps you get rid of extra fluid and certain electrolytes through urination, which also reduces swelling from conditions like heart failure and kidney problems. Propranolol is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, while hydrochlorothiazide is typically taken once or twice daily. Common side effects of propranolol include dizziness, tiredness, and weakness, whereas hydrochlorothiazide can cause dizziness, increased urination, and sensitivity to sunlight. Additionally, propranolol can hide symptoms of low blood sugar, which is important for people with diabetes, while hydrochlorothiazide can affect your electrolyte balance and may raise blood sugar levels. Both medications have generic versions available, making them more affordable options.

drug combination

See more from our pharmacists

  • Propranolol
    Hydrochlorothiazide
  • Propranolol
    Hydrochlorothiazide

  • Summary of Propranolol vs. Hydrochlorothiazide

    Summary for Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker. It helps with a range of medical conditions, including high blood pressure, tremors, and migraine prevention. Sometimes, providers prescribe propranolol off-label to ease performance anxiety. You take this medication by mouth, typically 1 to 4 times daily, depending on if you're taking the immediate-release (IR) or extended-release (ER) medication. Keep in mind the IR and ER versions don't treat the same medical conditions. Some of the more common side effects of propranolol include dizziness, tiredness, or weakness.

    Summary for Diuretic (water pill)
    Prescription only

    Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic or water pill. It helps lower blood pressure. It also helps with swelling from fluid buildup (edema) caused by some health conditions, like heart failure and kidney problems. People of all ages can take hydrochlorothiazide tablets and capsules. But children typically take much smaller, weight-based doses. You typically take your dose by mouth once (sometimes twice) daily, but avoid nighttime dosing so you won't wake up to urinate. Some common side effects are dizziness and urinating more often.

  • Indications of Propranolol vs. Hydrochlorothiazide

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Chronic chest pain
    •Migraine
    •Hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
    •Atrial fibrillation (A.Fib)
    •Heart protection after a heart attack
    •Tremors
    •Pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor of the adrenal gland)
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Swelling in the body from fluid buildup (edema)

  • Pros and Cons of Propranolol vs. Hydrochlorothiazide

    Pros and Const for Beta blocker
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Long-acting version only needs to be taken once a day
    •Oral solution might be a good option for people who can't swallow pills
    •Available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Not safe for people with asthma or certain serious heart conditions
    •Can hide many recognizable symptoms of low blood sugar, such as fast heart beat or tremors, which might prevent timely treatment
    •Missing doses or suddenly stopping propranolol can raise your risk of heart attacks
    Pros and Const for Diuretic (water pill)
    Pros
    •Helps getting rid of extra fluid in your body
    •A first-choice treatment option if you have high blood pressure or heart failure
    •Dose can be adjusted based on how well it's working for you
    Cons
    •Can make you urinate more often
    •Can cause electrolytes and fluid levels to be out of balance, which can be dangerous
    •Might not be a good option for people with a sulfa allergy

  • Common Side Effects of Propranolol vs. Hydrochlorothiazide

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Tiredness
    •Feeling weak
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Weakness
    •Headache
    •Blurry vision
    •Low blood pressure
    •Change in electrolyte levels

  • Warnings of Propranolol vs. Hydrochlorothiazide

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of chest pain or heart attack
    •Higher risk or worsening of heart failure
    •Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hidden symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Trouble breathing (bronchospastic disease)
    •Serious skin reactions
    •Greater risk during surgery
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low fluid and electrolyte levels in the body
    •Possibly higher calcium levels
    •Higher blood sugar
    •Risk of gout
    •Risk of vision problems and glaucoma
    •Use with caution in people with kidney problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Propranolol vs. Hydrochlorothiazide

    Learn more about Propranolol
    Learn more about Hydrochlorothiazide

Compare other Hypertension drugs

Cogentin vs PropranololDantrium vs PropranololDilantin vs PropranololElavil vs PropranololLamictal vs PropranololNeurontin vs PropranololPropranolol vs BaclofenPropranolol vs BisoprololPropranolol vs BystolicPropranolol vs CafergotPropranolol vs CoregPropranolol vs DepakotePropranolol vs DetrolPropranolol vs EffexorPropranolol vs FioricetPropranolol vs HydrochlorothiazidePropranolol vs KeppraPropranolol vs LisinoprilPropranolol vs LosartanPropranolol vs MyrbetriqPropranolol vs OxybutyninPropranolol vs SancturaPropranolol vs TrileptalPropranolol vs VesicarePropranolol vs XanaxTegretol vs PropranololTopamax vs PropranololBaclofen vs MeloxicamBaclofen vs TizanidineTopamax vs Baclofen
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.