‌

‌
‌
‌
‌

‌

‌

‌
‌
‌

‌

‌
‌
‌

‌

‌

‌
‌
‌

‌

‌
‌
‌

PRAZOSIN

brandsClassPRAZOSIN commonly prescribed forHow PRAZOSIN worksHow long until PRAZOSIN worksNotable Side EffectsLife Threatening Side Effectsweight gainsedationWhat to do about PRAZOSIN side effectsusual dosage rangeDosage Formslong term usehabit formingRenal ImpairmentHepatic ImpairmentCardiac ImpairmentElderlyChildren and AdolescentsPregnancyBreast Feeding

THERAPEUTICS

brands

  • Resplend
  • Perjosi
  • Prozoten

Class

  • Alpha 1 adrenergic blocker

PRAZOSIN commonly prescribed for

(Bold for FDA approved)

• Hypertension
• Nightmares associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Blood circulation disorders
• Problems urinating due to enlarged prostate
• Passing of kidney stones

How PRAZOSIN works

• Blocks alpha 1 adrenergic receptors to reduce noradrenergic hyperactivation

• Stimulation of central noradrenergic receptors during sleep may activate traumatic memories, so blocking this activation may reduce nightmares

How long until PRAZOSIN works

• Within a few days to a few weeks

SIDE EFFECTS

Notable Side Effects

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, fatigue, blurred vision

• Nausea

Life Threatening Side Effects

• Syncope with sudden loss of consciousness

weight gain

unusual

unusual

sedation

not usual

not usual

What to do about PRAZOSIN side effects

• Lower the dose

• Wait

• Wait

• Wait

• In a few weeks, switch to another agent

DOSING AND USE

usual dosage range

• 1–16 mg/day, generally in divided doses

Dosage Forms

• Capsule 1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg

long term use

• Has not been evaluated in controlled studies

• Nightmares may return if prazosin is stopped

habit forming

• No

SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Renal Impairment

• Use with caution in patients with severe impairment

• May require lower dose

Hepatic Impairment

• Use with caution

Cardiac Impairment

• Use with caution in patients who are predisposed to hypotensive or syncopal episodes

Elderly

• Some patients may tolerate lower doses better

• Higher risk of orthostatic hypotension and syncope

Children and Adolescents

• Safety and efficacy have not been established

Pregnancy

• Effective June 30, 2015, the FDA requires changes to the content and format of pregnancy and lactation information in prescription drug labels, including the elimination of the pregnancy letter categories; the Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule (PLLR or final rule) applies only to prescription drugs and will be phased in gradually for drugs approved on or after June 30, 2001

• Controlled studies have not been conducted in pregnant women

• Prazosin has been used alone or in combination with other hypotensive agents in severe hypertension of pregnancy, with no fetal or neonatal abnormalities reported

• Prazosin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits justify the potential risks to the mother and fetus

Breast Feeding

• Some drug is present in breast milk

• If child becomes irritable or sedated, breast feeding or drug may need to be discontinued

• Must weigh benefits of breast feeding with risks and benefits of treatment versus nontreatment to both the infant and the mother

Based on data Published online by Cambridge University Press

Compiled by Dr. Jash Ajmera