Prazosin

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure.
• In men, it is used to treat the symptoms (frequent urination, nighttime bathroom trips, hesitancy, dribbling) of an enlarged prostate.

How does it work?

• Prazosin lowers blood pressure by relaxing the arteries and lowering the pressure in them.
• It also relaxes the muscles of the prostate improving the symptoms listed above. Prazosin does not cure the enlarged prostate.

How is it best taken?

• Make sure you are drinking enough liquids unless told to drink less by healthcare provider. Avoid products with caffeine.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• There should be an interval of at least 6 hours between doses.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor). May worsen high blood pressure.
• Do not use over-the-counter products that increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain herbs or supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Be careful in hot weather. You may see a greater blood pressure lowering effect.
• Do not use saw palmetto or nettle root (herbal products) if being treated for enlarged prostate.
• If you are taking this medicine for high blood pressure, follow low salt diet.
• Need prostate exam and blood test for prostate (PSA) before starting on medicine for enlarged prostate.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
• Feeling sleepy, lightheaded, weak, or tired. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
• Nausea. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.

What should I monitor?

• Check blood pressure regularly.
• Follow diet plan (low salt) and exercise program, if being treated for high blood pressure, as recommended by healthcare provider.
• If you are being treated for enlarged prostate, have a rectal exam (for prostate check) and PSA test. Talk with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
• Severe headaches.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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