$Unique_ID{BRK03298}
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$Title{prazosin}
$Subject{Minipress Pfizer Antihypertensive prazosin high blood pressure
vasodilator muscle tissue blood vessels}
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Minipress*0329801.scf}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


prazosin
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Minipress (Pfizer)
     prazosin (various manufacturers)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antihypertensive

INGREDIENT

     prazosin

DOSAGE FORM

     Capsules (1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg)

STORAGE

     Prazosin capsules should be stored at room temperature in a tightly
closed, light-resistant container.

USES

     Prazosin is used to treat high blood pressure.  It is a vasodilator that
relaxes the muscle tissue of the blood vessels, which in turn lowers blood
pressure.

TREATMENT

     To avoid stomach irritation, you can take prazosin with food or with a
full glass of water or milk.  In order to become accustomed to taking this
medication, try to take it at the same time(s) each day.
     The first dose of this medication can cause fainting.  Therefore, it is
often recommended that this dose be taken at bedtime.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.
     Prazosin does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to control
the condition as long as you continue to take the medication.
     The effects of this medication may not become apparent for two weeks.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth,
frequent urination, headache, impotence, nasal congestion, nausea,
nervousness, sweating, tiredness, vomiting, or weakness.  These side effects
should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     To relieve mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a
piece of hard candy.
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.  To
avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax the
muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.  Do this by pushing one
foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating feet
so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blurred vision; chest pain; constant erection; depression; difficulty in
breathing; difficulty in urinating; fainting; hallucinations; itching; loss of
hair; nosebleeds; palpitations; rapid weight gain (three to five pounds within
a week); rash; ringing in the ears; swelling of the feet, legs, or ankles; or
tingling of the fingers or toes.

INTERACTIONS

     Prazosin can interact with other types of medications:
     1. The combination of prazosin and alcohol or verapamil can lead to a
severe drop in blood pressure and fainting.
     2. The severity and duration of the blood-pressure-lowering effects of
the first dose of prazosin may be enhanced by a beta blocker.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to prazosin or terazosin.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had angina (chest pain) or kidney disease.
     * Because initial therapy with this drug may cause dizziness or fainting,
your doctor will probably start you on a low dosage and increase the dosage
gradually.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy or blurs your vision, do not
take part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or
operating potentially dangerous machinery.
     * In order to avoid dizziness or fainting while taking this drug, try not
to stand for long periods of time, avoid drinking excessive amounts of
alcohol, and try not to get overheated (avoid exercising strenuously in hot
weather and taking hot baths, showers, and saunas).
     * Before taking any over-the-counter (nonprescription) sinus, allergy,
asthma, cough, cold, or diet preparations, check with your doctor or
pharmacist.  Some of these products can cause an increase in blood pressure.
     * Do not stop taking this medication unless you first check with your
doctor.  If you stop taking this drug you may experience a rise in blood
pressure.  Your doctor may, therefore, want to decrease your dosage gradually.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although this drug
appears to be safe, there have been only limited studies in pregnant women.
Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.