Prazosin ER 5mg

Prazosin ER 5mg Uses

Prazosin ER 5mg is prescribed to:

• Treat high blood pressure (hypertension) to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Manage symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), including difficulty urinating and increased urinary frequency.
• Alleviate nightmares and sleep disturbances associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How Does Prazosin ER 5mg Work

Prazosin ER 5mg is an alpha-adrenergic blocker that relaxes the muscles in blood vessel walls. This action reduces vascular resistance, lowers blood pressure, and eases urinary symptoms in BPH. In PTSD, it is believed to work by modulating brain activity related to stress and fear.

How to Use Prazosin ER 5mg

• Take Prazosin ER 5mg exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, typically once daily at the same time.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew it.
• It is recommended to take the medication at bedtime to reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions closely for dosage adjustments based on your response to treatment.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Headache

Rare but serious side effects include:

• Fainting or severe drop in blood pressure
• Allergic reactions, such as rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Drug Interactions

Prazosin ER 5mg may interact with:

• Other antihypertensive medications, which may cause excessive drops in blood pressure.
• Erectile dysfunction drugs, such as sildenafil, which can enhance the risk of low blood pressure.
• Alcohol, which may increase dizziness or drowsiness.
• Beta-blockers, which may enhance the effects of Prazosin.

Food Interactions

• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as it may enhance side effects like dizziness.
• Prazosin ER 5mg does not have significant food restrictions; it can be taken with or without food.

Prazosin ER 5mg Contraindications

This medication is not suitable for:

• Individuals allergic to Prazosin or other alpha-blockers.
• Patients with a history of fainting or severe low blood pressure.
• Individuals taking medications that may significantly lower blood pressure without medical supervision.

Precautions and Warnings

• Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart disease, kidney problems, or low blood pressure.
• Use cautiously in elderly patients, who may be more sensitive to the side effects of Prazosin.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using this medication.
• Avoid sudden changes in posture to reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting (orthostatic hypotension).

Storage

• Store Prazosin ER 5mg tablets at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
• Keep the tablets in their original packaging and out of reach of children and pets.
• Dispose of unused or expired tablets responsibly, following local disposal guidelines.

Safety Information

• Use Prazosin ER 5mg only as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Do not skip doses or stop the medication abruptly without consulting your doctor.
• Report any unusual symptoms, such as severe dizziness, fainting, or irregular heartbeat, to your healthcare provider immediately.