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Prazosin

Pronounced

"PRAY-zoh-sin"

Common brand names:

Minipress

Uses

Prazosin is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

Prazosin belongs to a class of medications called alpha blockers. It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used for certain blood circulation disorders (Raynaud's phenomenon). It may also be used for problems urinating due to an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or to help your body "pass," or get rid of, kidney stones through urination.

How to Use This Medication

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually two or three times daily. If stomach upset occurs, take with food or milk. The dosage is based on your age, medical condition and response to treatment.

Prazosin can occasionally cause sudden fainting after the first dose and anytime that your dose is increased. To reduce your risk of fainting, the first dose prescribed by your doctor will be the smallest dose available. You should take this first dose as you are going to bed. This will decrease the possibility of fainting. Your dose may be gradually increased. Take your first new dose at bedtime when your dose is increased unless directed otherwise by your doctor.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. If you are taking this medication for high blood pressure, keep taking it even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. It may take up to several weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.

Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse (your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.