Indications
Minipress (active ingredient: prazosin) is a prescription medication indicated for:
- Hypertension: Minipress is used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), which can help reduce the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
Minipress belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha-1 adrenergic blockers, which work by relaxing and widening blood vessels so blood can flow more easily, thereby lowering blood pressure.
Uses and Dosage
Prazosin is usually taken as a tablet by mouth, with or without food, according to your doctor's instructions. It is typically taken two or three times per day and should be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
The recommended dosage for Prazosin varies depending on the medical condition being treated.
- For hypertension, the initial dosage is typically 1 mg taken every 8-12 hours, with maintenance dosages ranging from 6-15 mg daily divided into 2 or 3 doses. Alternatively, the initial dosage can be 1-5 mg taken twice daily, with the maximum recommended dosage being 15 mg per day.
- For PTSD, treatment is typically initiated at a dosage of 1 mg and gradually increased as needed, with a maximum reported dosage of 16 mg per day.
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia starts at a recommended starting dosage of 2.5 mg, with the dosage potentially being increased gradually as appropriate.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Minipress (Prazosin):
Serious Side Effects of Minipress (Prazosin):
- Constipation
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Feeling faint
- Low blood pressure upon getting up quickly
- Nervousness
- pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest
- Rash
- Shortness of breath
- Spinning sensation
- Swelling
- Vomiting
Form and Strength
Minipress (Prazosin) is available in the following forms and strengths:
Prazosin: Tablet
- 1 mg
- 2 mg
- 5 mg
Caution
- Prazosin can occasionally cause sudden fainting after the first dose and anytime that your dose is increased. To reduce your risk of fainting, the first dose prescribed by your doctor will be the smallest dose available. You should take this first dose as you are going to bed.
- To lessen the likelihood of dizziness and fainting, exercise caution when standing for prolonged periods. Avoid overheating during exercise or on hot days. When initiating the use of this medication, circumvent situations where fainting could lead to injury.
- Take prazosin (Minipress) exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider to avoid potential negative health effects. Failing to take a dose can cause your blood pressure to become too high while taking more than prescribed can cause your blood pressure to become dangerously low.
- Prazosin can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Do not drive or participate in hazardous activities for 24 hours after your first dose, any dose increase, or restarting treatment.
- When taking prazosin, inform your healthcare provider of any allergies to the medication or other alpha-blockers like doxazosin or terazosin, as well as any other allergies. It can contain inactive components that may trigger allergic reactions or other complications, so consult your pharmacist for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What drugs should not be taken with prazosin?
Some products that may interact with this drug include other alpha-blocker drugs (such as doxazosin, and terazosin), beta-blockers (such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol), drugs to treat erectile dysfunction-ED or pulmonary hypertension (such as sildenafil, tadalafil).
What is the duration of action of prazosin?
The duration of action is 4 to 6 hours; therapy is usually begun in daily divided doses of 2 to 3 mg.
Does prazosin cause liver damage?
Prazosin is a nonselective alpha-adrenergic antagonist (alpha-blocker) used in the therapy of hypertension. Prazosin is associated with a low rate of transient serum aminotransferase elevations and has not been clearly linked to clinically apparent acute liver injury.
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