Prazosin

Prazosin — Uses and Benefits

Prazosin is a prescription medicine mainly used to treat high blood pressure and urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate gland.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Controlling high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Relieving urinary difficulty caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• Sometimes used to manage symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon
• Occasionally used for certain sleep disturbances related to PTSD (as advised by a specialist)

HOW IT WORKS

• Prazosin blocks alpha-1 receptors present in blood vessel walls, causing them to relax and widen
• This lowers resistance to blood flow, reducing blood pressure
• It also relaxes muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making urination easier

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It is not a painkiller
• It is not used to treat infections
• It is not a cure for prostate enlargement, only relieves symptoms
• It should not be used for anxiety or general sleep problems without a doctor's advice

How to Use Prazosin

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take prazosin exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually at bedtime for the first dose to reduce the risk of dizziness
• It can be taken with or without food
• Swallow the tablet with water; do not crush or chew unless advised
• Do not stop the medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor
• Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
• Dispose of unused medicine safely, do not flush down the drain

Prazosin — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Dizziness, especially on standing up quickly
• Headache
• Drowsiness or weakness
• Nausea

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Palpitations (fast heartbeat)
• Dry mouth
• Nasal congestion
• Blurred vision
• Fluid retention causing mild swelling

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Fainting, especially after the first dose
• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
• Prolonged and painful erection (priapism)
• Severe allergic reaction with swelling of face, lips, or difficulty breathing
• Sudden drop in blood pressure with severe dizziness

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Prazosin — Safety Information and Precautions

Prazosin is a prescription-only medicine in India and should be used only under medical supervision.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to prazosin or other alpha-blockers
• Have a history of fainting spells related to blood pressure drops
• Are planning cataract surgery without informing your eye surgeon

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have liver or kidney disease
• Have low blood pressure or a heart condition
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Are already taking other blood pressure-lowering medicines
• Have had a stroke recently

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other blood pressure medicines
• Medicines for erectile dysfunction (like sildenafil)
• Diuretics (water pills)
• Beta-blockers
• Alcohol, which can increase dizziness

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can prazosin be taken during pregnancy?

It should be used only if your doctor feels it is clearly necessary, after weighing risks and benefits.

Will prazosin cause dizziness every time I take it?

Dizziness is most common with the first dose or after a dose increase, and usually reduces with continued use.

Can I stop prazosin once my blood pressure is normal?

• No, do not stop without consulting your doctor as blood pressure may rise again suddenly.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.