PRAZOSIN - ORAL

PRAZOSIN - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (PRAZ-oh-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Minipress

GENERIC NAME(S): prazosin HCl

Uses

USES: Prazosin is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Prazosin belongs to a class of medications called alpha blockers. It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.


How to use PRAZOSIN - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually two or three times daily or as directed by your doctor. If stomach upset occurs, take with food or milk. The dosage is based on your age, medical condition and response to therapy. Prazosin can occasionally cause sudden fainting after the first dose and anytime that your dose is increased. To reduce your risk of fainting, the first dose prescribed by your doctor will be the smallest dose available. You should take this first dose as you are going to bed. This will decrease the possibility of fainting. Your dose may be gradually increased. Take your first new dose at bedtime when your dose is increased unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. If you are taking this medication for high blood pressure, it is important to continue taking it even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. It may take up to several weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Tell your doctor if your condition worsens (such as your routine blood pressure readings increase).

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, drowsiness, tiredness, weakness, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Lightheadedness or dizziness upon standing may also occur, especially after the first dose and shortly after taking a dose of the drug during the first week of treatment. To reduce the risk of dizziness and fainting, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. If dizziness occurs, sit or lie down right away. Your dose may need to be adjusted. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: pounding heartbeat, fainting, frequent urination, mental/mood changes (such as depression), swelling of the feet/ankles. For males, in the very unlikely event you have a painful, prolonged erection (lasting more than 4 hours), stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention, or permanent problems could occur. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking prazosin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other alpha blockers (such as doxazosin, terazosin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (such as low blood pressure), kidney disease, uncontrolled attacks of deep sleep (narcolepsy), prostate cancer, certain eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Do not drive or participate in hazardous activities for 24 hours after your first dose, any increase in your dosage, or restarting treatment. If your doctor prescribes any additional blood pressure drugs, avoid driving and hazardous activities for 24 hours after your first dose of the new medication. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. To reduce the risk of dizziness and fainting, be careful when standing for long periods. Avoid getting overheated during exercise and hot weather. When first starting this drug, avoid situations where you may be injured if you faint. Before having surgery (including cataract/glaucoma eye surgery), tell your doctor or dentist if you are taking or have ever taken this medication, and about all the other products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness and fainting. These side effects can increase the risk of falling. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Prazosin passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: other alpha blocker drugs (such as doxazosin, terazosin), beta blockers (such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol), drugs to treat erectile dysfunction-ED or pulmonary hypertension (such as sildenafil, tadalafil). Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana, drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. Some products have ingredients that could raise your heart rate or blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen). This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including pheochromocytoma screening test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness, slow reactions.

Images

PRAZOSIN 2 MG CAPSULE

color
pink
shape
oblong
imprint
TEVA, 4068
PRAZOSIN 2 MG CAPSULE

color
pink
shape
oblong
imprint
TEVA, 4068
PRAZOSIN 2 MG CAPSULE

color
light brown
shape
oblong
imprint
MYLAN 2302, MYLAN 2302
PRAZOSIN 2 MG CAPSULE

color
light brown
shape
oblong
imprint
MYLAN 2302, MYLAN 2302

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Faq for PRAZOSIN - ORAL

Prazosin is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to improve the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).

Prazosin belongs to a class of medications called alpha blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily through them. This helps lower blood pressure and improve urine flow in men with an enlarged prostate.

Yes, prazosin has also been found to be effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related nightmares and sleep disturbances.

The common side effects of prazosin include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, constipation, and weakness. These side effects typically occur during the first few days of treatment and may improve with continued use.

Prazosin is generally not recommended for use in pregnant women, as its safety during pregnancy has not been fully established. It should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.

If you miss a dose of prazosin, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Prazosin may interact with certain medications, including other blood pressure-lowering drugs, erectile dysfunction medications, and medications for mental/mood disorders. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

Prazosin starts working within the first few doses, but it may take several weeks to see the full benefit of the medication. It is important to continue taking prazosin as directed by your doctor, even if you feel well.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.