Prazosin Information
Pronunciation
PRAZ oh sin
What is this drug used for?
• It is used to treat high blood pressure.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
Frequently reported side effects of this drug
• Fatigue
• Loss of strength and energy
• Headache
• Nausea
Other side effects of this drug: Talk with your doctor right away if you have any of these signs of:
• Severe dizziness
• Passing out
• Blurred vision
• Fast heartbeat
• Arrhythmia
• Depression
• Shortness of breath
• Erection that lasts more than 4 hours
• Swelling of arms or legs
• Signs of a significant reaction like wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Medication Safety Issues
Sound-alike/look-alike issues:
Prazosin may be confused with predniSONE
Geriatric Patients: High-Risk Medication:
Beers Criteria: Prazosin is identified in the Beers Criteria as a potentially inappropriate medication for hypertension in patients 65 years and older due to its high risk of orthostatic hypotension. Avoid use for hypertension treatment (alternative agents have superior risk-benefit profiles) (Beers Criteria [AGS 2019]).
Storage and Stability
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Protect from moisture and light.
Adverse Reactions
Cardiovascular: Edema, orthostatic hypotension, palpitations, syncope
Central nervous system: Depression, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, nervousness, vertigo
Dermatologic: Skin rash
Gastrointestinal: Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, xerostomia
Genitourinary: Urinary frequency
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Weakness
Ophthalmic: Blurred vision, injected sclera
Respiratory: Dyspnea, epistaxis, nasal congestion
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