Prazosin is a drug to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. In addition, this drug is also used in the treatment of heart failure, Raynaud's disease, and to relieve symptoms of enlargement gland benign prostate.
Prazosin will block the alpha receptors in the blood vessel muscles, so that the blood vessel muscles will be weaker and the previously narrowed blood vessels will widen. That way, blood flow becomes smoother and blood pressure decreases.
TrademarkPrazosin: Minipress, Redupress
What is Prazosin
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Alpha or blockers alpha-blockers |
| Benefit | Treats hypertension and can be used to relieve complaints due to benign prostate enlargement |
| Consumed by | Adults 18 years old |
| Prazosin for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Prazosin can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Capsules, tablets |
Precautions Before Taking Prazosin
Prazosin should only be used according to a doctor's prescription. Before taking this drug, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Prazosin should not be taken by patients who are allergic to this drug or to alpha-blocking drugs (alpha-blockers) others, such as terazosin or doxazosin.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart disease, low blood pressure, narcolepsy, kidney disease, cataracts, glaucoma, liver disease, or prostate cancer.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking prazosin if you plan to have any surgery, including dental surgery, cataract surgery, or glaucoma eye surgery.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness while you are taking prazosin, as this medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision.
- Prazosin should not be used in children younger than 18 years of age.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effect after taking prazosin.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Prazosin
The dose of prazosin given by the doctor can be different for each patient, depending on the condition to be treated. In general, the following are the doses of prazosin for adults based on the condition you wish to treat:
Condition: Hypertension
- The initial dose is 0.5 mg, 2 or 3 times daily, taken at bedtime, for 3–7 days. The dose may be increased to 1 mg, 2 or 3 times daily, for the next 3–7 days, according to the patient's condition.
- The maximum dose is 20 mg per day, divided into several consumption schedules.
Condition: Heart failure
- The initial dose is 0.5 mg, 2–4 times a day, taken at bedtime. The dose can be increased gradually, depending on the patient's condition.
- Maintenance dose: 4–20 mg per day, divided into several consumption schedules.
Condition: Enlargement of the prostate gland (Benign prostatic hyperplasia/BPH)Raynaud's syndrome
- The initial dose is 0.5 mg, 2 times a day, taken at bedtime, for 3–7 days. The dose can be adjusted, depending on the patient's condition.
- The maximum dose is 2 mg, 2 times a day.
How to Take Prazosin Correctly
Follow your doctor's advice and read the instructions on the medicine package before taking prazosin. Do not reduce or increase the dose without consulting your doctor.
Prazosin can control hypertension, but cannot cure it. Do not stop taking prazosinn even if your condition improves, unless advised by your doctor.
Prazosin can be taken before or after meals, and can be taken with a glass of milk. Swallow the prazosin capsule or tablet whole. Do not open the capsule, chew, or crush the medicine.
Sometimes, taking prazosin can cause dizziness or fainting. Therefore, the initial dose should be taken at dinner, or 2-3 hours before bedtime. Avoid standing for long periods of time, and be sure to stand up slowly if you are taking prazosin while sitting.
Take prazosin regularly at the same time every day for maximum treatment effect. Do not stop taking the drug, except on doctor's instructions.
If you forget to take prazosin, take the drug immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
To help control blood pressure, it is recommended that you adopt a healthy diet and live while undergoing treatment with prazosin. Follow all doctor's recommendations for maximum treatment effect.
Do regular health checks to the doctor while undergoing treatment with prazosin. Health checks, such as blood pressure checks, need to be carried out regularly so that the development of conditions and the effectiveness of drugs can be monitored.
Store prazosin capsules in a closed container at a cool temperature. Protect this medication from exposure to direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Prazosin Interactions with Other Drugs
Some of the effects of drug interactions that can occur if prazosin is used with certain drugs are:
- Increased blood pressure lowering effect when used with other antihypertensive drugs, including diuretics or beta blockers (beta blockers)
- Increased risk of hypotension when used with drugs phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, such as sildenafil, vardenafil, or tadalafil
- Decreased effectiveness of prazosin in treating hypertension when used with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin
Side Effects and Dangers of Prazosin
There are several side effects that can occur after using prazosin, namely:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or headache
- Blurred vision
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Tired and limp
Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not improve or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Slow, fast, or irregular heart rate
- Chest pain or palpitations
- Mood swings or depression
- Swelling in hands, legs and feet
- Prolonged and painful penile erection
Dizziness so heavy that you feel like passing out
