MINIPRESS

Drug Name: MINIPRESS

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

COMMON MINIPRESS BRAND NAME(S):
Minipress

MINIPRESS 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 MINIPRESS and seek immediate medical attention. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE MINIPRESS:
MINIPRESS: Take MINIPRESS 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 MINIPRESS even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taking MINIPRESS without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

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

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

MINIPRESS 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 MINIPRESS 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 MINIPRESS. Use caution performing tasks that require alertness such as driving or using machinery. MINIPRESS 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.

MINIPRESS 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.

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

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

MISSED MINIPRESS 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.

MINIPRESS 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.