Compare Diltiazem vs. Prazosin

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

Cardizem (Diltiazem)

Prescription only

Minipress (Prazosin)

Prescription only

Lowers blood pressure and controls heart rate.

Diltiazem works well to lower blood pressure and prevent chest pain, but you have to be okay with avoiding alcohol. You can't miss doses, and you might get persistent swelling.

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3.5/ 5 average rating with 105 reviewsforDiltiazem

Lowers blood pressure and makes it easier to urinate.

Prazosin is used mostly to make urination easier for men with an enlarged prostate, but it can cause dizziness.

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3.0/ 5 average rating with 48 reviewsforPrazosin

Upsides

A first-choice blood pressure treatment for many people.
Calcium channel blockers work especially well for African Americans to lower blood pressure.
You can take it alone or with other medicines to help lower blood pressure.
Lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Prevents heart-related chest pain (angina) if you take it regularly.
Treats certain abnormal heart rhythms.

Can be added to other blood pressure-lowering medicines if you need additional blood pressure control.
Makes urination easier in men with an enlarged prostate.
Helps people with PTSD get better sleep with fewer, less-intense nightmares.

Downsides

Calcium channel blockers can cause swelling in your limbs. If this happens for you, it probably won't get better over time, so talk to your doctor about alternatives if it bothers you.
Women are more likely to have side effects (especially swelling) from Diltiazem than men.
You can't miss doses. Stopping Diltiazem suddenly can cause your blood pressure to go up suddenly, which raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Some brands of Diltiazem have to be taken with food, so listen carefully for instructions from your doctor or pharmacist.
Not a good medication for you if you drink alcohol.

Not the best medicine to lower blood pressure by itself.
Likely to cause orthostatic hypotension. This means dizziness when you change positions (like standing up) because your blood pressure doesn't adjust quickly enough.
Not preferred for people 65 years or older.

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