Compare Zestoretic vs. Catapres-TTS

Lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazide (Zestoretic) and clonidine (Catapres, Nexiclon XR) are both used to treat high blood pressure. However, they belong to different medication classes. Lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazide is a combination of an ACE inhibitor and a diuretic, while clonidine is an alpha agonist. Zestoretic is taken as an oral tablet once daily, whereas clonidine is available in various forms, including oral tablets and a topical patch. Both come as a generic, although clonidine also has an XR version only available as a brand-name product (Nexiclon XR). Common side effects of Zestoretic include dizziness, headache, and cough, while clonidine can cause dry mouth, drowsiness, and dizziness. Stopping clonidine suddently can cause a sudden spike in blood pressure called rebound hypertension. Also, clonidine is not recommended for older adults due to the risk of falls, whereas Zestoretic should be avoided during pregnancy. Both medications can interact with other drugs, so it's important to discuss all medications you're taking with your prescriber.