PRAZOSIN HCL

Drug Name: PRAZOSIN HCL

PRAZOSIN HCL DESCRIPTION:
PRAZOSIN - ORAL (PRAY-zoh-sin)

COMMON PRAZOSIN HCL BRAND NAME(S):
Minipress

PRAZOSIN HCL SIDE EFFECTS:
Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, constipation, loss of appetite, fatigue, nasal congestion or dry eyes may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor promptly if you develop: chest pain, difficulty breathing, difficulty urinating, skin rash, swelling of the hands or feet, ringing in the ears. Males - though it is unlikely to occur, if you get a painful, prolonged erection, stop using PRAZOSIN HCL and seek immediate medical attention. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE PRAZOSIN HCL:
PRAZOSIN HCL: Take PRAZOSIN HCL exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time each day. Take the first dose at bedtime to minimize the chances of getting dizzy or fainting. Capsules may be taken with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. It is important to continue taking PRAZOSIN HCL even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taking PRAZOSIN HCL without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

PRAZOSIN HCL USES:
Prazosin relaxes and expands blood vessels. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

OTHER USES OF PRAZOSIN HCL:
PRAZOSIN HCL may also be used for congestive heart failure or Raynaud's disease. PRAZOSIN HCL can also be used in males for symptoms of prostate enlargement such as urinary hesitancy and/or urgency.

PRAZOSIN HCL PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history especially of: heart or kidney problems, any allergies. To avoid dizziness or fainting, get up slowly from a lying or seated position; especially when you first start using PRAZOSIN HCL or if your doctor changes your dosing. Limit your intake of alcohol and avoid getting overheated because they may increase the dizziness and drowsiness effects of PRAZOSIN HCL. Use caution performing tasks that require alertness such as driving or using machinery. PRAZOSIN HCL should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Prazosin is excreted into breast milk. Though to date, there have been no reports on harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

PRAZOSIN HCL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: verapamil, beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol). Avoid drugs that increase your heart rate or make you excited like decongestants because it may counteract your blood pressure medicine. Decongestants are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold products. Ask your pharmacist if you are uncertain your cold/allergy medicine contains a decongestant. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

PRAZOSIN HCL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness and weakness.

PRAZOSIN HCL NOTES:
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking PRAZOSIN HCL. Learn how to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.

MISSED PRAZOSIN HCL DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

PRAZOSIN HCL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.