Minipress (Prazosin HCl) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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High blood pressure facts

High blood pressure (hypertension) is designated as either essential (primary) hypertension or secondary hypertension and is defined as a consistently elevated blood pressure exceeding 140/90 mm Hg.
High blood pressure is called "the silent killer" because it often causes no symptoms for many years, even decades, until it finally damages certain critical organs.
Poorly controlled high blood pressure ultimately can cause damage to blood vessels in the eye, thickening of the heart muscle and heart attacks, hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis), kidney failure, and strokes.
Most antihypertensive medications can be used alone or in combination. Some are used only in combination. Some are preferred over others in certain specific medical situations. And some are not to be used (contraindicated) in other situations.
Several classes of antihypertensive medications are available, including ACE i...

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Minipress Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking prazosin (Minipress)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to prazosin.

Prazosin can affect the pupils of your eyes during cataract surgery. If you have cataract surgery during your treatment with prazosin, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you take prazosin. Do not stop using the medication before surgery unless your surgeon tells you to.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether prazosin is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Prazosin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take prazosin (Minipress)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Prazosin lowers blood pressure and may cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you first start taking it, or when you start taking it again. Call your doctor if you have severe dizziness or feel like you might pass out.

Some things can cause your blood pressure to get too low. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking other diuretics (water pills). Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Your doctor will also need to check your progress. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Store prazosin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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