Prazosin is used with or without other medications to treat blood pressure. Lowering hypertension helps prevent strokes, strokes, and kidney problems.
Prazosin belongs to a class of medications called alpha blockers. It works by relaxing and widening veins so blood can flow easier.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of the drug which are not indexed by the approved professional labeling to the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug to get a condition that's indexed by this section only if many experts have so prescribed because of your health care professional.
This drug may also be used to help remedy certain circulation disorders (Raynaud's phenomenon). Prazosin doubles to deal with problems urinating on account of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) in order to help one's body "pass," or get rid of, kidney stones through urination.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 2-3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. If stomach upset occurs, take with food or milk. The dosage is founded on your actual age, condition and response to therapy.
Prazosin can on occasion cause sudden fainting after the first dose and anytime that the dose is increased. To reduce your probability of fainting, the 1st dose prescribed from your doctor would be the smallest dose available. You should take this first dose when you are going to bed. This will reduce the chance for fainting. Your dose could be gradually increased. Take a new dose at bedtime as soon as your dose is increased unless directed otherwise from your doctor.
Use prescription drugs regularly to acquire essentially the most take advantage of it. To help you remember, go simultaneously(s) every day. If you are taking medicines for high blood pressure levels, you should continue taking it even though you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure tend not to feel sick. It may take up to weeks prior to full benefit with this drug takes effect.
Do not stop taking medicines without first consulting your medical professional. Some conditions may become worse once the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose might need to be gradually decreased.
Tell your physician in case your condition worsens (for example your routine blood pressure levels readings increase).
Headache, drowsiness, tiredness, weakness, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation may occur as your body adjusts towards the medication. If these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Lightheadedness or dizziness upon standing could also occur, especially after the first dose and very soon after going for a dose from the drug during the first week of treatment. To decrease the chance of dizziness and fainting, get out of bed slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. If dizziness occurs, sit or sleep the night without delay. Your dose might need to be adjusted.
Remember your doctor has prescribed medicines while he or she's judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of unwanted effects. Many people using medicines usually do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if some of these unlikely but serious unwanted side effects occur: pounding heartbeat, fainting, frequent urination, mental/mood changes (including depression), swelling from the feet/ankles.
For males, inside very unlikely event there is a painful, prolonged erection (lasting over 4 hours), stop using this drug and seek immediate medical assistance, or permanent problems could occur.
A grave hypersensitive reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any the signs of a serious hypersensitive reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete set of possible side effects. If you notice other effects unpublished above, contact a medical expert or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your physician for health advice about unwanted effects. You may report unwanted effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before taking prazosin, tell a medical expert or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; as well as to other alpha blockers (such as doxazosin, terazosin); or if you've any other allergies. This product might have inactive ingredients, that may cause allergies or another problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more information.
Before using this medication, tell a medical expert or pharmacist your track record, especially of: heart disease (like low hypertension), kidney disease, uncontrolled attacks of deep sleep (narcolepsy), cancer of prostate, certain eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma).
This drug might make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that will require alertness or clear vision unless you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Do not drive or take part in hazardous activities all day and night after a dose, any rise in your dosage, or restarting treatment. If your physician prescribes any other hypertension drugs, avoid driving and hazardous activities all day and night after your first dose with the new medication. Limit alcohol consumption.
To lessen the chance of dizziness and fainting, be cautious when standing for long periods. Avoid getting overheated during exercise and summer. When starting this drug, avoid situations that you may be injured if you faint.
Before having surgery (including cataract/glaucoma eye surgery), tell your physician or dentist if you are taking or have ever taken prescription drugs, and about the rest of the products you employ (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults could be more sensitive on the unwanted effects with this drug, especially dizziness and fainting. These negative effects can boost the risk of falling.
During pregnancy, medicines ought to be used only once clearly needed. Discuss the hazards and benefits with your medical professional.
Prazosin passes into breast milk. Consult your physician before breast-feeding.
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