Prazosin (By mouth)
PRAZ-oh-sin
Treats high blood pressure.
Drug classes
Antihypertensive, Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Agent, Cardiovascular Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Prazosin is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.
Prazosin belongs to the general class of medicines called antihypertensives. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood passes through them more easily. This helps to lower blood pressure. Prazosin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, prazosin is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
Benign enlargement of the prostate.
Ergot alkaloid poisoning.
Raynaud’s disease.
For patients taking this medicine for benign enlargement of the prostate:
Prazosin will not shrink the size of your prostate, but it does help to relieve the symptoms.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how prazosin works. Tell your doctor if you also use any of the following:
Sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, or similar medicines Beta-blockers, including propranolol Diuretic (water pill)When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to prazosin or quinazolines.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or cataracts.
This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. This can make you dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy. These symptoms may be worse if you drink alcohol.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Painful erection of your penis for more than 4 hours
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Tiredness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Minipress
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
