Minipress

Minipress

     * Generic Name: prazosin hcl
     * Brand Name: Minipress


     * What is prazosin (Minipress)?
     * What are the possible side effects of prazosin (Minipress)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       prazosin (Minipress)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       prazosin (Minipress)?
     * How should I take prazosin (Minipress)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Minipress)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Minipress)?
     * What should I avoid while taking prazosin (Minipress)?
     * What other drugs will affect prazosin (Minipress)?
     * Where can I get more information (Minipress)?

What is prazosin (Minipress)?

   Prazosin is in a group of drugs called alpha-adrenergic (AL-fa
   ad-ren-ER-jik) blockers. Prazosin relaxes your veins and
   arteries so that blood can more easily pass through them.

   Prazosin is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

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

What are the possible side effects of prazosin (Minipress)?

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

   Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
     * fast or pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
     * feeling like you might pass out;
     * trouble breathing;
     * swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; or
     * penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.

   Less serious side effects may include:
     * mild dizziness;
     * weakness, tired feeling, drowsiness;
     * headache; 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.

What is the most important information I should know about prazosin
(Minipress)?

   You should not use this medication if you are allergic to prazosin or
   similar medicines such as alfuzosin (Uroxatral), doxazosin
   (Cardura), silodosin (Rapaflo), tamsulosin (Flomax), or
   terazosin (Hytrin).

   Prazosin may cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you first
   start taking it or whenever your dose is changed. Be careful if you
   drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid standing for
   long periods of time or becoming overheated during exercise and in
   hot weather. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying
   position, or you may feel dizzy.

   Prazosin can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Tell your
   eye surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medication. Do
   not stop using prazosin before surgery unless your surgeon tells you
   to.

   Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially other
   blood pressure medications including diuretics (water pills).

   Minipress Patient Information including How Should I Take
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Salt Quiz!
   Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started

   Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking prazosin
(Minipress)?

   You should not use this medication if you are allergic to prazosin or
   similar medicines such as alfuzosin (Uroxatral), doxazosin (Cardura),
   silodosin (Rapaflo), tamsulosin (Flomax), or terazosin (Hytrin).

   Prazosin can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Tell your
   eye surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medication. Do not
   stop using prazosin before surgery unless your surgeon tells you to.

   FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether prazosin will harm an
   unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
   pregnant while using this medication.

   Prazosin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not
   use this medication without telling your doctor if you are
   breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take prazosin (Minipress)?

   Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or
   smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions
   on your prescription label.

   Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the
   best results.

   Prazosin lowers blood pressure and may cause dizziness or fainting,
   especially when you first start taking it or whenever your dose is
   changed. Call your doctor if you have severe dizziness or feel like you
   might pass out.

   You may feel very dizzy when you first wake up. Be careful when
   standing or sitting up from a lying position.

   Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Visit your doctor
   regularly.

   Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood
   pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure
   medication for the rest of your life.

   Some things can cause your blood pressure to get too low. This includes
   vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease,
   dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills).
   Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea
   or vomiting.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Minipress Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Salt Quiz!
   Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started

   Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose (Minipress)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Minipress)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

   Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking prazosin (Minipress)?

   Prazosin may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive
   or do anything that requires you to be alert.

   To prevent dizziness, avoid standing for long periods of time or
   becoming overheated during exercise and in hot weather.

   Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may
   feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

   Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of prazosin.

What other drugs will affect prazosin (Minipress)?

   Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:
     * propranolol (Inderal, Innopran); or
     * other blood pressure medications, including diuretics (water
       pills).

   This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with prazosin.
   Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes
   prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not
   start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information (Minipress)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about prazosin.
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