Brand Names: Minipress

Generic Name: prazosin (Pronunciation: PRA zoe sin)

• What is prazosin (Minipress)?
• What are the possible side effects of prazosin (Minipress)?
• What is the most important information I should know about prazosin (Minipress)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking prazosin (Minipress)?
• How should I take prazosin (Minipress)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Minipress)?
• What happens if I overdose (Minipress)?
• What should I avoid while taking prazosin (Minipress)?
• What other drugs will affect prazosin (Minipress)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is prazosin (Minipress)?

Prazosin is in a group of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers. Prazosin causes the blood vessels (veins and arteries) to relax and expand, improving blood flow. Prazosin also relaxes muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.

Prazosin is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Prazosin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Prazosin 1 mg-IVA

white, imprinted with Z 4067

Prazosin 1 mg-MYL

green/orange, imprinted with MYLAN 1101

Prazosin 2 mg-IVA

pink, imprinted with Z 4068

Prazosin 2 mg-MYL

dark brown/light brown, imprinted with MYLAN 2302

Prazosin 5 mg-IVA

blue, imprinted with Z 4069

Prazosin 5 mg-MYL

blue/brown, imprinted with MYLAN 3205

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 include:

• drowsiness, dizziness, spinning sensation;
• weakness, tired feeling;
• headache;
• nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea;
• numbness or tingly feeling;
• stuffy nose, dry mouth; or
• blurred vision.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about prazosin (Minipress)?

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

Prazosin may cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you first start taking it or when you start taking it again. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid standing for long periods of time or becoming overheated during exercise and in hot weather. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

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.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of prazosin.

To be sure prazosin 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.