Prazosin

Generic name: Prazosin
Brand names: Minipress
Dosage form: oral capsule (1 mg; 2 mg; 5 mg)
Drug class: Antiadrenergic agents , Antineoplastic Agents

Usage of Prazosin

Prazosin is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Prazosin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Prazosin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Prazosin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
  • pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
  • new or worsening chest pain; or
  • upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

    • Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if your erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours. A prolonged erection (priapism) can damage the penis.

    Common side effects of prazosin may include:

  • dizziness, drowsiness;
  • headache;
  • feeling weak or tired; or
  • nausea.

    • This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

    Before taking Prazosin

    You should not use prazosin if you are allergic to it.

    Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • low blood pressure, especially if caused by taking medications.

    • Prazosin can affect your pupils. If you have cataract surgery, tell your surgeon ahead of time that you use prazosin.

    Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether prazosin will harm an unborn baby. However, having high blood pressure during pregnancy may cause complications such as diabetes or eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby). The benefit of treating hypertension may outweigh any risks to the baby.

    It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

    Prazosin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

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    How to use Prazosin

    Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

    Initial dose: 1 mg orally 2 or 3 times a dayMaintenance dose: 1 to 20 mg orally per day in divided dosesComments:-Titrate slowly as determined by blood pressure response.-Therapeutic dosages usually range from 6 to 15 mg per day in divided doses.-Total daily doses greater than 20 mg usually do not increase efficacy, but some patients may benefit from daily doses up to 40 mg per day in divided doses.

    Warnings

    Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

    What other drugs will affect Prazosin

    Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

  • propranolol;
  • any other blood pressure medication;
  • a diuretic or "water pill"; or
  • sildenafil (Viagra) and other erectile dysfunction medicines.

    • This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect prazosin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

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