Pregnancy Risk Category C
How supplied
Tablets: 1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg
Capsules: 1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg
Action
Decreases blood pressure by vasodilation produced in response to blockade of alpha1-adrenergic receptors. It improves urine flow in patients with BPH by blocking alpha1-adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscle of the bladder neck and prostate, thus relieving urethral pressure and reestablishing urine flow.
Indications & dosage
Hypertension--
Adults: initially, 1 mg P.O. h.s. Dosage increased gradually based on response. Usual dosage range is 1 to 5 mg daily. Maximum recommended dose is 20 mg daily.
Symptomatic BPH--
Adults: initially, 1 mg P.O. h.s. Dosage increased in a stepwise fashion to 2, 5, or 10 mg once daily to achieve optimal response. Most patients need 10 mg daily for optimal response.
Adverse reactions
CNS: asthenia, dizziness, headache, nervousness, paresthesia, somnolence.
CV: palpitations, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, peripheral edema.
EENT: nasal congestion, sinusitis, blurred vision.
GI: nausea.
GU: impotence.
Hematologic: decreases in hematocrit, WBC, and hemoglobin, total protein, and albumin levels.
Musculoskeletal: back pain, muscle pain.
Respiratory: dyspnea.
Interactions
Drug-drug. Antihypertensives: excessive hypotension. Use together cautiously.
Clonidine: clonidine's antihypertensive effect may be decreased. Monitor patient.
Drug-herb. Butcher's broom: possible diminished effect. Avoid concomitant use.
Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug.
Nursing considerations
Patient teaching
*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine. †Canada ‡Australia §U.K. OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING