General MedicinePrescription OnlyPregnancy Cat. CFDA Yes
Prazosin Hydrochloride
PRAZOSIN HYDROCHLORIDE
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Prazosin hydrochloride capsules are indicated for the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. These benefits have been seen in controlled trials of antihypertensive drugs from a wide variety of pharmacologic classes, including this drug. Control of high blood pressure should be part of comprehensive cardiovascular risk management, i...
Medically reviewed by MedCentralHub Medical Review Board, Licensed Pharmacists & Physicians ·
Brand names:Prazosin Hydrochloride
Quick Reference
Medicine ClassGeneral Medicine
FDA ApprovedYes
PregnancyCategory C
Quick Facts
- Active ingredient
- PRAZOSIN HYDROCHLORIDE
- Medicine class
- General Medicine
- Brand names
- Prazosin Hydrochloride
- Availability
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Pregnancy category
- C
- FDA approved
- Yes
What Is Prazosin Hydrochloride?
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Prazosin hydrochloride capsules are indicated for the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. These benefits have been seen in controlled trials of antihypertensive drugs from a wide variety of pharmacologic classes, including this drug. Control of high blood pressure should be part of comprehensive cardiovascular risk management, i...
Prazosin Hydrochloride (PRAZOSIN HYDROCHLORIDE) belongs to the General Medicine class of medications. It was first approved by the FDA in Yes. This medication requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Key Safety Information
- •Always follow the dose recommended by your healthcare professional. Taking more than prescribed increases the risk of side effects including serious complications.
- •Seek emergency care if you experience signs of an allergic reaction — hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash. Stop the medication and call your doctor immediately.
- •Some medications can increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, a history of heart attack or stroke, or any pre-existing health condition.
- •Avoid or limit alcohol while taking Prazosin Hydrochloride. Do not drink alcohol without first discussing it with your healthcare provider as it may increase adverse effects.
- •Take Prazosin Hydrochloride with food or a full glass of water if stomach upset occurs. Stop use and talk to your doctor if you experience persistent stomach pain or GI symptoms.
- •Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take. Some combinations significantly increase the risk of harm.
This is a summary only. Always read the full prescribing information and consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
Uses & Indications
Prazosin Hydrochloride is prescribed for the following conditions. Some uses are FDA-approved indications; others may be evidence-based off-label uses. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Prazosin hydrochloride capsules are indicated for the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure.
Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions.
These benefits have been seen in controlled trials of antihypertensive drugs from a wide variety of pharmacologic classes, including this drug.
Control of high blood pressure should be part of comprehensive cardiovascular risk management, including, as appropriate, lipid control, diabetes management, antithrombotic therapy, smoking cessation, exercise, and limited sodium intake.
Many patients will require more than one drug to achieve blood pressure goals.
For specific advice on goals and management, see published guidelines, such as those of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program’s Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC).
Numerous antihypertensive drugs, from a variety of pharmacologic classes and with different mechanisms of action, have been shown in randomized controlled trials to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and it can be concluded that it is blood pressure reduction, and not some other pharmacologic property of the drugs, that is largely responsible for those benefits.
The largest and most consistent cardiovascular outcome benefit has been a reduction in the risk of stroke, but reductions in myocardial infarction and cardiovascular mortality also have been seen regularly.
Dosage Guide
The following are general dosing guidelines only. Your actual dose should be determined by your healthcare provider based on your condition, renal/hepatic function, and other medications.
AD
Adult Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The dose of prazosin hydrochloride capsules should be adjusted according to the patient’s individual blood pressure response. The following is a guide to its administration: Initial Dose 1 mg two or three times a day (see WARNINGS. ) Maintenance Dose Dosage may be slowly increased to a total daily dose of 20 mg given in divided doses. The therapeutic dosages most commonly employed have ranged from 6 mg to 15 mg daily given in divided doses. Doses higher than 20 mg usually do not increase efficacy, however a few patients may benefit from further increases up to a daily dose of 40 mg given in divided doses. After initial titration some patients can be maintained adequately on a twice daily dosage regimen. Use With Other Drugs When adding a diuretic or other antihypertensive agent, the dose of prazosin hydrochloride capsules should be reduced to 1 mg or 2 mg three times a day and retitration then carried out. Concomitant administration of prazosin hydrochloride c
Available Forms
Available Strengths
Side Effects
Common
- ADVERSE REACTIONS Clinical trials were conducted on more than 900 patients.
- During these trials and subsequent marketing experience, the most frequent reactions associated with prazosin hydrochloride therapy are: dizziness 10.3%, headache 7.8%, drowsiness 7.6%, lack of energy 6.9%, weakness 6.5%, palpitations 5.3%, and nausea 4.9%.
- In most instances, side effects have disappeared with continued therapy or have been tolerated with no decrease in dose of drug.
- Less frequent adverse reactions which are reported to occur in 1 to 4% of patients are: Gastrointestinal: vomiting, diarrhea, constipation.
- Cardiovascular: edema, orthostatic hypotension, dyspnea, syncope.
- Central Nervous System: vertigo, depression, nervousness.
- Dermatologic: rash.
Serious
- WARNINGS As with all alpha-blockers, prazosin hydrochloride may cause syncope with sudden loss of consciousness.
- In most cases, this is believed to be due to an excessive postural hypotensive effect, although occasionally the syncopal episode has been preceded by a bout of severe tachycardia with heart rates of 120 to 160 beats per minute.
- Syncopal episodes have usually occurred within 30 to 90 minutes of the initial dose of the drug;
- occasionally, they have been reported in association with rapid dosage increases or the introduction of another antihypertensive drug into the regimen of a patient taking high doses of prazosin hydrochloride.
- The incidence of syncopal episodes is approximately 1% in patients given an initial dose of 2 mg or greater.
Rare
Medicine Interactions
Always inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about ALL medications you take, including prescriptions, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
MajorModerateMinor
Warnings & Contraindications
WARNINGS As with all alpha-blockers, prazosin hydrochloride may cause syncope with sudden loss of consciousness. In most cases, this is believed to be due to an excessive postural hypotensive effect, although occasionally the syncopal episode has been preceded by a bout of severe tachycardia with heart rates of 120 to 160 beats per minute. Syncopal episodes have usually occurred within 30 to 90 mi
How Prazosin Hydrochloride Works
Pharmacokinetics
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety
C
FDA Pregnancy Category C
Animal studies show adverse fetal effects. No adequate human studies. Use only if benefit justifies risk.
Full Pregnancy InformationBreastfeeding
Many medications pass into breast milk in varying amounts. Before using Prazosin Hydrochloridewhile breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider or pharmacist — they can weigh your dose, your infant's age, and available lactation safety data to find the safest option for you and your baby.
Storage & Handling
Store at room temperature. Keep away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Adult, pediatric, renal, and hepatic dosing for Prazosin Hydrochloride
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Prazosin Hydrochloride side effects
Complete adverse effect profile including common, serious, and rare reactions
Sources & References
- • FDA Prescribing Information — Official labeling and package insert for Prazosin Hydrochloride
- • U.S. National Library of Medicine — MedlinePlus drug information
- • American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) — Clinical pharmacology monograph
- • PubMed / MEDLINE — View clinical studies
Last reviewed by MedCentralHub Medical Review Board · MedCentralHub Editorial Policy
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.