GENERIC NAME: PRAZOSIN - ORAL (PRAY-zoh-sin)
BRAND NAME(S): Minipress
Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: Prazosin relaxes and expands blood vessels. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
OTHER USES: This drug may also be used for congestive heart failure or Raynaud's disease. This drug can also be used in males for symptoms of prostate enlargement such as urinary hesitancy and/or urgency.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time each day. Take the first dose at bedtime to minimize the chances of getting dizzy or fainting. Capsules may be taken with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, constipation, loss of appetite, fatigue, nasal congestion or dry eyes may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor promptly if you develop: chest pain, difficulty breathing, difficulty urinating, skin rash, swelling of the hands or feet, ringing in the ears. Males - though it is unlikely to occur, if you get a painful, prolonged erection, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- High Blood Pressure - Learn about high blood pressure symptoms like headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, blurred vision and more. Causes, and normal blood pressure information is included.
- Raynaud's Phenomenon - Symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon include the fingers turning white after exposure to temperature changes or emotional events. Read about treatment, causes, signs and diagnosis.
- Nightmares - Learn more about what causes common nightmares, how they can be a symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and what treatment options are available.
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