MINIZIDE 2

Drug Name: MINIZIDE 2

MINIZIDE 2 DESCRIPTION:
PRAZOSIN WITH POLYTHIAZIDE - ORAL (PRAY-zoh-sin WITH paw-lee-THIGH-uh-zide)

COMMON MINIZIDE 2 BRAND NAME(S):
Minizide

MINIZIDE 2 SIDE EFFECTS:
Dizziness, headache, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, nausea, loss of taste, flushing, fatigue or increased urination may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: chest pain, difficulty breathing, skin rash, tingling of the hands or feet, yellowing of the skin or eyes. Males - though it is unlikely to occur, if you get a painful, prolonged erection, stop using MINIZIDE 2 and seek immediate medical attention. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE MINIZIDE 2:
MINIZIDE 2: Take MINIZIDE 2 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. Do not stop taking MINIZIDE 2 without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. It is important to continue taking MINIZIDE 2 even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

MINIZIDE 2 WARNING:
This combination medication is not intended to be the first drug to be tried in controlling high blood pressure. It should only be used after other treatments have been tried and after the ideal dose has been determined (titrated). Your blood pressure medication may need to be adjusted or changed by your doctor as needed.

MINIZIDE 2 USES:
Prazosin helps to widen arteries and veins so blood flows better. Polythiazide is a diuretic (water pill) that helps rid the body of excess fluid. This combination medication is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and certain types of heart disease.

MINIZIDE 2 PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking MINIZIDE 2, tell your doctor if you have: heart or blood vessel disease, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, lupus, pancreas trouble, gout. To avoid dizziness or fainting, get up slowly from a lying or seated position; especially when you first start using MINIZIDE 2 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 MINIZIDE 2. Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. MINIZIDE 2 can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. MINIZIDE 2 should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Since the drug appears in breast milk, breast-feeding is not recommended. Consult with your doctor.

MINIZIDE 2 DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: lithium, diazoxide, cholestyramine, colestipol, drugs used to treat diabetes, beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, propranolol), verapamil. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

MINIZIDE 2 OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness and lightheadedness.

MINIZIDE 2 NOTES:
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking MINIZIDE 2. Learn how to take your blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.

MISSED MINIZIDE 2 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-up" the dose to catch up.

MINIZIDE 2 STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. 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.