Prazosin - oral

Prazosin helps to keep your blood pressure under control. It lowers the blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels.

This medicine is also used to treat heart problem, Raynaud's disease (poor blood circulation which makes the toes and fingers numb and pale) and to relieve symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

Take this exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it the same time each day.

Continue taking Prazosin even when you feel better. Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to the doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• history of fainting after urination
• heart problem due to narrowing of heart valves
• liver disease
• kidney disease

Let your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Prazosin to elderly person. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?

Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity (e.g. walking) at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.

If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to kick your smoking habit.

Try to keep stress levels under control as stress will cause your blood pressure to go up.

Prazosin may cause dizziness and drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

You may also feel dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying down position, especially if you are taking this medicine for the very first time. This is common and should improve gradually as you get used to Prazosin. It will help if you get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position. If you are taking this medicine for the very first time, take the first dose of Prazosin at bedtime to minimise dizziness.

Other side effects may include any the following: vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, dry mouth, stomach pain, eye pain, weakness, nose bleed, difficulty sleeping, and rash.

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines for erectile dysfunction e.g. sildenafil, tadalafil
• medicines for high blood pressure e.g. propranolol, atenolol
• medicines for water retention or water pills e.g. hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone
• medicines for heart disease e.g. amlodipine, nicardipine, diltiazem

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Prazosin.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.