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Brand name:

Minipress

Pronounced: MIN-ee-press
Generic name: Prazosin hydrochloride

Why is this drug prescribed?

Minipress is used to treat high blood pressure. It is effective used alone or with other high blood pressure medications such as diuretics or beta-blocking medications (drugs that ease heart contractions) such as Tenormin.

Minipress is also prescribed for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an abnormal enlargement of the prostate gland.

Most important fact about this drug

If you have high blood pressure, you must take Minipress regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Minipress; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Minipress does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

How should you take this medication?

Minipress can be taken with or without food.

This medication should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor even if your symptoms have disappeared. Try not to miss any doses. If this medication is not taken regularly, your blood pressure will increase.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Protect from heat, light, and moisture.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Minipress.

• More common side effects may include:
  Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, lack of energy, nausea, palpitations (pounding heartbeat), weakness

• Less common side effects may include:
  Blurred vision, constipation, depression, diarrhea, dizziness on standing up, dry mouth, fainting, fluid retention, frequent urination, nasal congestion, nervousness, nosebleeds, rash, red eyes, shortness of breath, vertigo, vomiting

• Rare side effects may include:
  Abdominal discomfort/pain, allergic reaction, breast enlargement in males, chest pain, excessive perspiration, eye pain, fever, flushing, generally ill feeling, hair loss, hallucinations, hives, impotence, inability to hold urine, inflamed blood vessels, inflammation of the pancreas, insomnia, itching, itchy purple spots on forearms and thighs, joint pain, low blood pressure, persistent, painful erection, rapid or slow heartbeat, ringing in ears, tingling or pins and needles

Why should this drug not be prescribed?

Avoid Minipress if it, or similar drugs such as Cardura and Hytrin, give you an allergic reaction.

Special warnings about this medication

Minipress can cause low blood pressure, especially when you first start taking the medication. This can cause you to become faint, dizzy, or light-headed, particularly on standing up. You should avoid driving or any hazardous tasks where injury could occur for 24 hours after taking the first dose or after your dose has been increased. Dizziness, fainting, or light-headedness may also occur in hot weather, when exercising, or when standing for long periods of time. Ask your doctor what precautions you should take.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Minipress can intensify the effects of alcohol. Be careful of the amount you drink.

If Minipress is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important that you check with your doctor before combining Minipress with the following:

Beta blockers such as Inderal
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
Diuretics such as Dyazide
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others)
Other high blood pressure medications
Verapamil (Calan, Verelan)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Minipress during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. Minipress appears in breast milk and can affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

The usual starting dose is 1 milligram, 2 or 3 times per day.

The doctor may slowly increase the amount to as much as 20 milligrams per day, divided into smaller doses. The typical dose is 6 milligrams to 15 milligrams per day, divided into smaller doses. Although doses higher than 20 milligrams per day usually have no extra effect, some people may benefit from a daily dose of 40 milligrams, divided into smaller doses.

If Minipress is used with a diuretic or other high blood pressure drug, the dose can be reduced to 1 to 2 milligrams, 3 times a day.

CHILDREN

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect a Minipress overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.

• The symptoms of Minipress overdose may include:
  Extreme drowsiness, low blood pressure