Prazosin is in a class of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers. Prazosin causes the blood vessels (veins and arteries) to relax and expand, which allows blood to pass more easily through them.
Prazosin is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
Prazosin may be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Minipress (Prazosin)?
To avoid falling, take the first dose at bedtime. Prazosin may cause dizziness. It is a good idea to take every dose at bedtime, if possible.
Use caution when you stand or sit up from a lying position, especially if you wake up during the night. Dizziness may occur when changing positions.
Do not stop taking this drug suddenly even if you feel better. Stopping suddenly could cause your blood pressure to increase.
Who should not take Minipress (Prazosin)?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have any type of kidney or liver disease. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during therapy with prazosin. Prazosin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether prazosin will harm an unborn baby. Do not take prazosin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Prazosin passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take prazosin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Minipress (Prazosin)?
Take prazosin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water. To avoid falling, take the first dose at bedtime. Prazosin may cause dizziness. It is a good idea to take every dose at bedtime, if possible.
Use caution when you stand or sit up from a lying position, especially if you wake up during the night. Dizziness may occur when changing positions.
Do not stop taking this drug suddenly even if you feel better. Stopping suddenly could cause your blood pressure to increase. Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. A double dose could cause your blood pressure to become severely low.
If you miss doses for several days in a row, call your doctor before taking any additional doses. You may need to restart treatment with a lower dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of a prazosin overdose include weakness, dizziness, and fainting; a weak, fast pulse; cold, clammy skin; and possibly loss of consciousness or coma.
Minipress (Prazosin) side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking prazosin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- an increased heartbeat;
- shortness of breath or chest pain; or
- a rash.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take prazosin and talk to your doctor if you experience
- vivid dreams;
- dizziness or drowsiness;
- weakness, fatigue, or ill feeling;
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, or decreased appetite;
- fluid retention or slight weight gain;
- joint or muscle aches;
- headache, irritability, or depression;
- increased urination;
- decreased sex drive; or
- numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, arms, or legs.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Minipress (Prazosin) Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Congestive Heart Failure:
Initial dose: 1 mg orally 2-3 times a day.
Maintenance dose: 6-15 mg daily given in divided doses.
Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:
Initial dose: 1 mg orally 2-3 times a day.
Maintenance dose: 6-15 mg daily given in divided doses.
Usual Adult Dose for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia:
Initial dose: 1 mg orally 2-3 times a day.
Maintenance dose: 6-15 mg daily given in divided doses.
Usual Pediatric Dose for not applicable:
Greater than 1 year:
Initial dose: 5 mcg/kg orally.
Maintenance dose: Increase dose gradually up to 25 mcg/kg orally every 6 hours. Maximum daily dose is 15 mg or 0.4 mg/kg/day.
What other drugs will affect Minipress (Prazosin)?
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal supplements, during treatment with prazosin.
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