Common uses

Minipress is used to treat:
* high blood pressure, also called hypertension
* benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH ('prostrate trouble') in men waiting for prostate surgery
* Raynaud's disease, where thefingers become white and painful when cold
* certain types of heart failure.
When used to treat high blood pressure or heart failure, Minipress is often used in combination with other medicines.
Minipress belongs to a family of
• medicines called alpha blockers.
Before using

Before you start to take it

You must tell your doctor if:

1. you have any allergies to any other medicines or any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes

2. you are pregnant or breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed. Like most other medicines, Minipress is not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

3. you have or have had any medical conditions, especially the following:

* heart problems such as heart failure or angina
* kidney or liver problems.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you start Minipress.


Directions

Minipress can be taken with or without food.
This medication should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor even if your symptoms have disappeared. Try not to miss any doses. If this medication is not taken regularly, your blood pressure will increase.
-If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.
-Storage instructions...
Protect from heat, light, and moisture.

Cautions

Minipress can cause low blood pressure, especially when you first start taking the medication. This can cause you to become faint, dizzy, or light-headed, particularly on standing up. You should avoid driving or any hazardous tasks where injury could occur for 24 hours after taking the first dose or after your dose has been increased. Dizziness, fainting, or light-headedness may also occur in hot weather, when exercising, or when standing for long periods of time. Ask your doctor what precautions you should take.
Possible side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position; fainting (sudden)
Less common Loss of bladder control; pounding heartbeat; swelling of feet or lower legs
Rare Chest pain; painful inappropriate erection of penis (continuing); shortness of breath
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
More common Drowsiness; headache; lack of energy
Less common Dryness of mouth; nervousness; unusual tiredness or weakness
Rare Frequent urge to urinate; nausea
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

If you take too much

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect a Minipress overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.
• The symptoms of Minipress overdose may include:
Extreme drowsiness, low blood pressure
Additional information
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, prazosin is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
• Congestive heart failure
• Ergot alkaloid poisoning
• Pheochromocytoma
• Raynaud's disease
• Benign enlargement of the prostate
For patients taking this medicine for benign enlargement of the prostate :
• Prazosin will not shrink the size of your prostate, but it does help to relieve the symptoms.
Other than the above information, there is no additional information relating to proper use, precautions, or side effects for these uses.

Drug interactions

Minipress can intensify the effects of alcohol. Be careful of the amount you drink.
If Minipress is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important that you check with your doctor before combining Minipress with the following:

Beta blockers such as Inderal
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
Diuretics such as Dyazide
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others)
Other high blood pressure medications
Verapamil (Calan, Verelan)