Two medicines, side by side
Prazosin vs propranolol
Prazosin and propranolol are both labeled for high blood pressure. Drugs@FDA records approvals of prazosin since 1976 and of propranolol since 1967. Pharmacies paid $0.0842 per prazosin 1 mg capsule and $0.0493 per propranolol 20 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like. In FDA's classes, prazosin is an alpha-adrenergic blocker and propranolol a beta-adrenergic blocker.
Check it at the source: the prazosin FDA label on DailyMed (effective March 6, 2026); the propranolol FDA label on DailyMed (effective January 15, 2026).
Highlights of the prazosin record
Prazosin (Minipress) · label of March 6, 2026
Used for
From the label: indicationsPrazosin hydrochloride capsules are indicated for the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. These benefits have been seen in controlled trials of antihypertensive drugs from a wide variety of pharmacologic classes, including this drug. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- June 23, 1976
- Generic labelers
- 33 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0842 per capsule
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- A presentation being discontinued
- Recalls
- 10
Highlights of the propranolol record
Propranolol (Inderal) · label of January 15, 2026
Used for
From the label: indicationsHypertension Propranolol hydrochloride tablets are indicated in the management of hypertension. It may be used alone or used in combination with other antihypertensive agents, particularly a thiazide diuretic. Propranolol hydrochloride tablets are not indicated in the management of hypertensive emergencies. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- November 13, 1967
- Generic labelers
- 42 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0493 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- In shortage
- Recalls
- 4
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Prazosin label of March 6, 2026, Propranolol label of January 15, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do prazosin and propranolol differ on the record?
In FDA's classes, prazosin is an alpha-adrenergic blocker and propranolol a beta-adrenergic blocker.
Generics: prazosin since 1988; propranolol since 1985 (Drugs@FDA).
| Prazosin | Propranolol | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | High blood pressure | High blood pressure, Angina, Atrial fibrillation, Migraine |
| Pharmacologic class | alpha-Adrenergic Blocker | beta-Adrenergic Blocker |
| How it works (label) | n/a | Mechanism of Action The mechanism of the antihypertensive effect of propranolol has not been established. |
| Half-life (label) | n/a | The plasma half-life of propranolol is from 3 to 6 hours. |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | June 23, 1976 | November 13, 1967 |
| First generic approved | September 12, 1988 | July 30, 1985 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 33 labelers | 42 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.0842 per capsule (Prazosin 1 mg capsule) | $0.0493 per tablet (Propranolol 20 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | -20% | -17% |
| Boxed warning | No | No |
| Shortage now | A presentation being discontinued | In shortage |
| Recalls recorded | 10 | 4 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 7,384 | 71,660 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
Do their labels mention each other?
Prazosin label, drug interactions… sedatives–chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, and phenobarbital; (4) antigout–allopurinol, colchicine, and probenecid; (5) antiarrhythmics–procainamide, propranolol (see WARNINGS however), and quinidine; and (6) analgesics, antipyretics and anti-inflammatories–propoxyphene, aspirin, indomethacin, and phenylbutazone.
Prazosin label, warningsHypotension may develop in patients given prazosin hydrochloride capsules who are also receiving a beta-blocker such as propranolol.
Propranolol label, drug interactionsAlpha Blockers Prazosin has been associated with prolongation of first dose hypotension in the presence of beta-blockers.
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to prazosin
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions