PRAZOSIN |
|
PRAZOSIN
BRAND & GENERIC NAMES
Minipress
BASIC INFORMATION
Habit forming? No
Prescription needed? Yes
Available as generic? No
Drug class: Antihypertensive
USES
Treatment for high blood pressure.
May improve congestive heart failure.
Treatment for Raynaud's disease.
DOSAGE & USAGE INFORMATION
How to take:
Tablet or capsule -- Swallow with liquid. If you can't swallow
whole, crumble tablet or open capsule and take with liquid or
food.
When to take:
At the same times each day.
If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2
hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).
What drug does:
Expands and relaxes blood-vessel walls to lower blood pressure.
Time lapse before drug works:
30 minutes.
Don't take with:
Any other medicines, even over-the-counter drugs such as cough
and cold medicines, nose drops, diet pills, laxatives or
caffeine, without consulting your doctor.
OVERDOSE
SYMPTOMS:
Extreme weakness; loss of consciousness; cold, sweaty skin;
weak, rapid pulse; coma.
WHAT TO DO:
Dial 0 (operator) or 911 (emergency) for an ambulance or
medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
If the child is unconscious and not breathing, give mouth-to-
mouth breathing. If there is no heartbeat, use cardiac massage
and mouth-to-mouth breathing (CPR). Don't try to make the child
vomit. If you can't get help quickly, take the child to nearest
emergency facility.
See EMERGENCY INFORMATION.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS
SYMPTOMS WHAT TO DO
Life-threatening:
None expected.
Common:
Rapid heartbeat. Discontinue. Call doctor right
away.
Vivid dreams, Continue. Call doctor
drowsiness, dizziness. when convenient.
Infrequent:
Rash or itchy skin, Discontinue. Call
blurred vision, doctor right away.
shortness of breath,
difficult breathing,
chest pain.
Appetite loss, Continue. Call doctor
constipation or diarrhea, when convenient.
stomach pain,
nausea, vomiting,
fluid retention, joint or
muscle aches, weakness
and faintness when arising
from bed or chair.
Headache, irritability, Continue. Tell doctor
depression, dry at next visit.
mouth, stuffy nose,
increased urination.
Rare:
Decreased sexual Continue. Call doctor
function. when convenient.
WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if:
You are allergic to prazosin.
You are depressed.
You will have surgery within 2 months, including dental
surgery, requiring general or spinal anesthesia.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you experience lightheadedness or fainting with other
antihypertensive drugs.
If you are easily depressed.
If you have impaired brain circulation or have had a stroke.
If you have coronary heart disease (with or without angina).
If you have kidney disease or impaired liver function.
Pregnancy:
Studies inconclusive on harm to unborn child. Animal studies
show fetal abnormalities. Decide with your doctor whether drug
benefits justify risk to child.
Infants & children:
Don't give to infants or young children unless prescribed and
monitored by your physician.
Prolonged use:
No age-related problems expected.
Skin & sunlight:
No age-related problems expected.
Driving or hazardous activities:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine
affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb
ladders or work in high places.
Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without doctor's advice until you complete
prescribed dose, even though symptoms diminish or disappear.
Others:
First dose likely to cause fainting. Take it at night and get
out of bed slowly next morning.
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
|
|
|
| Amphetamines |
Decreased prazosin |
| (see Drugs Glossary) |
effect. |
| Antihypertensives, |
Increased |
| (other, see Drugs |
antihypertensive |
| Glossary) |
effect. Dosages may require |
| |
adjustments. |
| Estrogen |
Decreased effect of prazosin. |
| Guanfacine |
Increased effect of both medicines. |
| MAO inhibitors |
Blood-pressure drop. |
| (see Drugs Glossary) |
| Nifedipine |
Weakness and faintness when arising |
| |
from bed or chair. |
| Nitrates |
Possible excessive |
| (see Drugs Glossary) |
blood-pressure drop. |
| Non-steroidal |
Decreased effect of |
| anti-inflammatory |
prazosin. |
| drugs (NSAIDs, |
| see Drugs Glossary) |
| Sympathomimetics |
Decreased effect of |
| (see Drugs Glossary) |
prazosin. |
| Verapamil |
Weakness and faintness when arising |
| |
from bed or chair. |
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES
|
|
|
| Tobacco: |
Possible spasm of coronary |
| |
arteries. Avoid. |
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