Prazosin

About Prazosin

Prazosin relaxes blood vessels by blocking alpha-1 receptors, lowering blood pressure. Its FDA label covers high blood pressure, alone or with a diuretic or beta blocker. It starts at 1 mg two or three times a day and is raised slowly; the doses most often used range from 6 to 15 mg a day, divided. MedlinePlus notes it is sometimes prescribed for other conditions, such as an enlarged prostate, Raynaud’s disease and sleep problems linked to post-traumatic stress disorder; those uses are outside the label and are the prescriber’s decision.

The main warning is fainting with sudden loss of consciousness, usually 30 to 90 minutes after the first dose, and sometimes after a quick dose increase or when another blood pressure medicine is added. Starting low and increasing slowly reduces that risk, and the label advises against driving or hazardous tasks for 24 hours after the first dose or a dose increase. Dizziness, headache, drowsiness, lack of energy, weakness, palpitations and nausea are common.

Rarely it causes priapism, a painful erection lasting hours, which needs emergency treatment. Tell an eye surgeon before cataract surgery, because alpha blockers can cause floppy iris syndrome. It can cause a false positive on a urine screening test for pheochromocytoma, and it is not used in people sensitive to quinazolines. MedlinePlus says older adults should not usually take it for high blood pressure, as it is not as safe or effective as other medicines.

Taking Prazosin

How to take it

Usually two or three times a day at evenly spaced times, with the very first dose at bedtime. Get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing, and avoid driving or hazardous tasks for 24 hours after the first dose or a dose increase.

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless the next dose is almost due; then skip the missed dose and continue as usual. Do not take a double dose.

Storage

At room temperature, protected from light and moisture, in a tightly closed container out of reach of children.

Interactions to know about

Diuretics and other blood pressure medicines add to its effect, so the prazosin dose is lowered and built up again when one is added. Sildenafil, tadalafil and similar drugs can lower blood pressure further. Alcohol can make dizziness and other side effects worse. Get emergency help for an erection that lasts for hours.

This summarizes the official prescribing information. Your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions, and the leaflet that comes with your medicine, take priority.

Why the cash price for Prazosin differs from pharmacy to pharmacy

Prazosin capsules have many makers and cost pharmacies little, so a quote mostly reflects the dispensing fee and markup. Taken two or three times a day, a month’s supply is a lot of capsules, and a pharmacy that prices per capsule can quote far more than one with flat generic prices.

Early on, the dose is built up gradually, so fills can be small or change strength, each carrying its own fee.

Ways to pay less for Prazosin without insurance

• Ask whether prazosin is on the pharmacy’s flat-price generic list, especially if you take several capsules a day.
• Once your dose is settled, ask the prescriber to write it with the fewest capsules per dose and for a ninety-day supply.
• While the dose is being adjusted, ask the prescriber for quantities that match each step.
• Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.

Questions to ask your pharmacist about Prazosin

1. 1.Should I take the first dose at bedtime, and what if I feel faint?
2. 2.How and when will my dose be increased?
3. 3.Is it safe with my other blood pressure medicines, sildenafil or tadalafil?
4. 4.What should I tell my eye surgeon before cataract surgery?
5. 5.Can I drink alcohol while taking it?

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