Minipress (Prazosin HCl) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 8, 2012

Minipress

Raynaud's Phenomenon »

What is Raynaud's phenomenon?

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is a condition resulting in a particular series of discolorations of the fingers and/or the toes after exposure to changes in temperature (cold or hot) or emotional events. Skin discoloration occurs because an abnormal spasm of the blood vessels causes a diminished blood supply to the local tissues. Initially, the digit(s) involved turn white because of the diminished blood supply. The digit(s) then turn blue because of prolonged lack of oxygen. Finally, the blood vessels reopen, causing a local "flushing" phenomenon, which turns the digit(s) red. This three-phase color sequence (white to blue to red), most often upon exposure to cold temperature, is characteristic of RP.

Raynaud's phenomenon most frequently affects women, especially in the second, third, or fourth decades of life. People can have Raynauds phenomenon alone or as a part of other rheumatic diseases. When it occurs alone...

Read the Raynaud's Phenomenon article »

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Minipress

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Minipress® Capsules
(prazosin hydrochloride) For Oral Use

DRUG DESCRIPTION

MINIPRESS® (prazosin hydrochloride), a quinazoline derivative, is the first of a new chemical class of antihypertensives. It is the hydrochloride salt of 1-(4-amino-6,7-dimethoxy- 2-quinazolinyl)-4-(2-furoyl) piperazine and its structural formula is:

MINIPRESS® (prazosin hydrochloride) structural formula illustration

Molecular formula C₁₉H₂₁N₅O₄.HCl

It is a white, crystalline substance, slightly soluble in water and isotonic saline, and has a molecular weight of 419.87. Each 1 mg capsule of MINIPRESS (prazosin hcl) for oral use contains drug equivalent to 1 mg free base.

Inert ingredients in the formulations are: hard gelatin capsules (which may contain Blue 1, Red 3, Red 28, Red 40, and other inert ingredients); magnesium stearate; sodium lauryl sulfate; starch; sucrose.

What are the possible side effects of prazosin (Minipress)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fast or pounding heartbeats;
feeling like you might pass out;
feeling short of breath;
swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; or
penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.

Less serious side effects may...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Minipress »

What are the precautions when taking prazosin hcl (Minipress)?

Before taking prazosin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other alpha blockers (such as doxazosin, terazosin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (such as low blood pressure), kidney disease, uncontrolled attacks of deep sleep (narcolepsy), prostate cancer.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Do not drive or participate...

Read All Potential Precautions of Minipress »

Last reviewed on RxList: 8/4/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.