What is the most important information I should know about prazosin?
To avoid falling, take the first dose at bedtime. Prazosin may cause
dizziness. It is a
good idea to take every dose at bedtime, if possible.
Use caution when you stand or sit up from a lying position, especially if you wake up
during the night. Dizziness may occur when changing positions.
Do not stop taking this drug suddenly even if you feel better. Stopping suddenly
could cause your blood pressure to increase.
What is prazosin?
Prazosin is in a class of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers. Prazosin causes the blood
vessels (veins and arteries) to relax and expand, which allows blood to pass more easily through
them.
Prazosin is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
Prazosin may be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not take prazosin?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have any type of
kidney or liver
disease. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during therapy with prazosin.
Prazosin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known
whether prazosin will harm an unborn baby. Do not take prazosin without first talking to your
doctor if you are pregnant.
Prazosin passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take prazosin
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take prazosin?
Take prazosin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
To avoid falling, take the first dose at bedtime. Prazosin may cause dizziness. It is a
good idea to take every dose at bedtime, if possible.
Use caution when you stand or sit up from a lying position, especially if you wake up
during the night. Dizziness may occur when changing positions.
Do not stop taking this drug suddenly even if you feel better. Stopping suddenly
could cause your blood pressure to increase.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the
next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose.
Do
not take a double dose of this medication. A double dose could cause your blood
pressure to become severely low.
If you miss doses for several days in a row, call your doctor before taking any additional
doses. You may need to restart treatment with a lower dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of a prazosin overdose include weakness, dizziness, and fainting; a weak, fast
pulse; cold, clammy skin; and possibly loss of consciousness or coma.
What should I avoid while taking prazosin?
Avoid alcohol while taking prazosin. Alcohol may cause
drowsiness or severely low
blood pressure while taking prazosin.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities until you know how the medication affects you. Prazosin may cause dizziness or
drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Avoid becoming overheated. Low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting could result. Be
careful not to overexert yourself, and use caution in hot weather.
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