Prazosin

Prazosin is a alpha-1 adrenergic blocker medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Treatment of high blood pressure, usually as part of a doctor-directed blood pressure plan.
• Relief of urinary symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia, where this use is considered appropriate by the prescriber.
• Other specialist uses such as Raynaud’s phenomenon may be considered only under medical supervision where locally accepted.

The dose of Prazosin must be individualised by a doctor. Treatment is commonly started with a low dose, often taken at bedtime, to reduce the risk of first-dose dizziness or fainting, then adjusted gradually according to blood pressure, symptoms, and tolerance. Extended-release tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or split unless the product instructions allow it. Do not change the dose or stop treatment without medical advice.

• Common: dizziness, light-headedness, headache, drowsiness, tiredness, weakness, nausea, palpitations, nasal congestion, and swelling of the ankles or feet.
• May cause postural hypotension, especially when standing up quickly.
• Serious: fainting, very low blood pressure, fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, allergic reactions, or prolonged painful erection requiring urgent medical care.

Use extra caution in people with low blood pressure, dehydration, recent dose changes of other blood pressure medicines, heart disease, liver or kidney problems, cataract surgery history or planned cataract surgery, and in older adults at higher risk of falls. Avoid driving or operating machinery until the effect is known, especially after the first dose. Use Prazosin only under the guidance of a registered doctor or pharmacist.

• Other blood pressure-lowering medicines, diuretics, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, nitrates, and some antipsychotics may increase the risk of low blood pressure.
• PDE-5 inhibitors such as sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil can cause excessive blood pressure lowering when combined with Prazosin.
• Alcohol may worsen dizziness, drowsiness, and low blood pressure.
• Tell the doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products being used.

• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to prazosin, other quinazoline-related medicines, or any component of the product.
• Do not use after a previous severe allergic reaction to this medicine.

During pregnancy, Prazosin should be used only if clearly needed and prescribed after assessing benefits and risks. It may pass into breast milk in small amounts; breastfeeding mothers should use it only with medical advice and monitoring of the infant for unusual sleepiness, poor feeding, or low blood pressure symptoms.

Store at room temperature, away from excess heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep tablets in the original container, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date.