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Description
Minipress XL (Prazosin) belongs to a class of medication called alphablockers, which work by relaxing and widening the blood vessels to facilitate blood flow. It is mainly used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). In addition, this medication may also be used for the treatment of congestive heart failure or Raynaud's disease. Because of its muscle relaxing properties, Minipress XL (Prazosin) can also be used to reduce the symptoms of prostate enlargement, such as a lack of or frequent urination.
How to use Minipress XL (Prazosin) should be taken orally with a full glass of water, usually two or three times a day. You may want to take this medication with food or a glass of milk to prevent stomach upsets. Take your dosages at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day to make sure you always have the same amount of medication in your blood stream. Try and take the first dosage of Minipress XL (Prazosin) just before bedtime to prevent such side effects as dizziness and fainting.
Follow the directions of your doctor exactly, even if they differ from the usually recommended dosage.
Take Minipress XL (Prazosin) regularly and make sure you renew your prescription on time. Do not change your dosages or medication schedule without consulting your doctor first.
Overdose Symptoms of a Minipress XL (Prazosin) overdose may include:
Extreme drowsiness
Fainting
Slow reactions
If you think you have used too much of this medication, you should contact your local poison control center or the emergency medical services immediately.
Missed dose Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take Minipress XL (Prazosin) at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medication to make up for the missed dose. If you miss two or more dosages, you should contact your doctor for further instructions.
Notes While being treated with Minipress XL (Prazosin), your doctor may require you to have regular tests and medical check-ups to chart your progress and make sure you are not suffering from any side effects.
Do not share this medication with others, as they may have a condition that is not effectively treated by Minipress XL (Prazosin).
Storage Store Minipress XL (Prazosin) at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), away from heat and moisture. KEEP THIS AND ALL OTHER MEDICATION OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Important note
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that the taking of this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you.
Precautions Before taking Minipress XL (Prazosin), inform your doctor if you currently suffer or ever have suffered from any of the following:
Any allergies
Heart problems (such as low blood pressure)
Liver or kidney problems
Narcolepsy (uncontrolled attacks of deep sleep)
Prostate cancer
Vomiting, diarrhea
Heavy sweating
If you are currently following a low-salt diet
If you suffer or have suffered from any of the above conditions, you may not be able to take this medication or your doctor may prescribe a dosage adjustment.
Older patients may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, so caution is advised when Minipress XL (Prazosin) is taken by anyone in this age group.
Minipress XL (Prazosin) is classed as Pregnancy Category C by the FDA, which means that it is not known whether this medication is harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor before taking Minipress XL (Prazosin) if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant during the treatment.
Minipress XL (Prazosin) can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not use this medication while breastfeeding without consulting a doctor first.
Drug Interactions Inform your doctor before taking this medication, if you are also using any of the following medicines, as they may interact with Minipress XL (Prazosin):
Digoxin (Digitalis, Lanoxin)
Medication against erectile disfunction (Sildenafil, Vardenafil, Tadalafil)
Gout medication such as Allopurinol (Zyloprim), Colchicine (Colcrys), or Probenecid (Benemid)
Heart rhythm medication such as Procainamide (Procan, Pronestyl), Quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex, Quin-Release) or Propranolol (Inderal)
Other blood pressure medications, including diuretics
Medication against pain, fever or arthritis, such as aspirin, Indomethacin (Indocin), or Propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet), Codeine
Insulin or diabetes medication you take by mouth, such as Chlorpropamide (Diabinese), Tolazamide (Tolinase) or Tolbutamide (Orinase)
A sedative such as Diazepam (Valium), Chlordiazepoxide (Librax, Librium) or Phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton)
Beta blockers (such as Atenolol and Metoprolol)
Verapamil
Certain antihistamines (such as Diphenhydramine)
Anti-seizure drugs (such as Carbamazepine)
Muscle relaxants
Psychiatric medicines (such as Chlorpromazine, Risperidone, Amitriptyline, Trazodone)
Any medication with ingredients that could increase your blood pressure or heart rate
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Minipress XL (Prazosin). Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Common potential side effects when taking Minipress XL (Prazosin) include:
Headache
Drowsiness
Tiredness, weakness
Blurred vision
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
Dizziness, lightheadedness
Notify your doctor or pharmacist immediately if these side effects persist or worsen.
Inform your doctor straightaway if you experience any of the following unlikely but serious side effects:
Pounding heartbeat
Fainting
Frequent urination
Mental or mood changes (e.g. depression)
Swelling of the feet or ankles
In the very unlikely event a male patients experiences a prolonged, painful erection (lasting 4 hours or more) after taking Minipress XL (Prazosin), he should stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention.
Also seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following signs of a rare allergic reaction to Minipress XL (Prazosin):
Rash, itching
Swelling of the face, tongue or throat
Severe dizziness
Trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you experience any side effects while taking Minipress XL (Prazosin), other than the ones mentioned above, you should contact your doctor immediately.
FAQs
How does Minipress XL (Prazosin) work?
Minipress XL (Prazosin) belongs to a class of medication called alphablockers, which work by relaxing and widening the blood vessels to facilitate blood flow. This helps against high blood pressure and blood circulation diseases, such as Raynaud’s disease. Minipress XL (Prazosin) has the same muscle-relaxing effect on other body organs and is therefore also effective against heart conditions and BPH (prostate enlargement).
Is it safe to take Minipress XL (Prazosin) while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Minipress XL (Prazosin) is classed as Pregnancy Category C by the FDA, which means that it is not known whether this medication is harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor before taking Minipress XL (Prazosin) if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant during the treatment.
Minipress XL (Prazosin) can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not use this medication while breastfeeding without consulting a doctor first.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Minipress XL (Prazosin)?
Moderate alcohol consumption is allowed while taking this medication. However, do not drink alcohol excessively while under treatment with Minipress XL (Prazosin), as alcohol may increase the risk of potential side effects.
Can I drive or operate heavy machinery while taking Minipress XL (Prazosin)?
Minipress XL (Prazosin) may cause dizziness or fainting, especially at the beginning of your treatment. Be careful when driving or performing any activity that requires alertness and maybe even avoid these activities until you are certain they can be performed safely. To prevent these side effects, you should avoid standing for long periods, getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position and getting overheated in warm weather or during exercise.
What is the recommended dosage of Minipress XL (Prazosin)?
For patients with hypertension, it is recommended to start the treatment with the smallest dose of Minipress XL (Prazosin) possible: 1 mg, 2 or 3 times a day. This could prevent certain side effects, such as dizziness and fainting. Your doctor may then slowly increase the amount to a maximum of 20 mg a day, divided into smaller doses. The usual amount of Minipress XL (Prazosin), however, lies between 6 and 15 mg daily, usually divided into 2 doses a day.
In rare cases, patients may benefit from a further increase up to 40 mg daily, divided into smaller doses.
