Prazosin (By mouth)

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using diuretics or "water pills" (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, Aldactazide®, Aldactone®, Dyazide®, Hyzaar®, Lasix®, Lotrel®, Maxzide®, Moduretic®, Norvasc®, or Zestoretic®) or any other blood pressure medicine (such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, Accupril®, Altace®, Calan®, Cardizem®, Cardura®, Covera®, Inderal®, Lotensin®, Lotrel®, Monopril®, Plendil®, Prinivil®, Tiazac®, Toprol®, Vasotec®, or Zestril®).
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

How to Use This Medicine

Capsule

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Take this medicine at bedtime unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect).
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
• Feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Shortness of breath or troubled breathing.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision.
• Dry mouth.
• Feeling sad, depressed, or nervous.
• Headache.
• Lack or loss of strength.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
• Rash.
• Tiredness or weakness.
• Weight gain.

Introduction

Prazosin (PRAZ-oh-sin)

Treats high blood pressure. This medicine is an alpha-blocker.

Brand Name(s)

Minipress

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease.
• Before you have eye surgery for a cataract (clouding of the eye), tell the ophthalmologist (eye doctor) that you are taking this medicine.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088