You're not logged in. Please log in to earn stock or Bitcoin rewards on your prescription purchase.
Minipress
Minipress, the brand name for prazosin, is a medication used primarily to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha-adrenergic blockers. By relaxing and widening the blood vessels, Minipress helps lower blood pressure and allows blood to flow more easily, reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems. It is also sometimes prescribed off-label for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-related nightmares, and Raynaud’s disease.
Rx. Enter your prescription
How would you like to get your prescription? Select an option
Pharmacy pickup
Select from 35,000 pharmacies
Free two-day delivery
Coming soon!
Find a pharmacy near you. Enter your ZIP code
Are you a member? Sign up or log in.
Members have saved
$NaN
using our savings card for instant savings.
Don't pay full retail price and miss out on potential savings. Try it now—you have nothing to lose!
NaNM
worth of Satoshi has been rewarded to our members.
Everyone who signs up enjoys the benefits of earning FREE Bitcoin with every purchase.
How much Bitcoin can you earn with Minipress ?
The potential for Bitcoin rewards to increase and appreciate in value is a possibility to consider, which may occur over time.
See the value of your savings today
Today's Value
1 Bitcoin = $NaN
Bitcoin (BTC)
...
USD
$NaN
Adjust Bitcoin's potential value to see how much it could be worth
Potential Value
1 Bitcoin =
Bitcoin (BTC)
...
USD
$NaN
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Minipress to start lowering blood pressure?
Minipress begins to lower blood pressure within 2 to 4 hours after taking the first dose. However, it may take several weeks for the full effects to be felt as your doctor adjusts your dose.
Can Minipress be used for conditions other than high blood pressure?
Yes, Minipress is sometimes used off-label to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-related nightmares, as it helps relax muscles and improves symptoms.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Minipress?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up on doses.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Minipress?
It’s best to avoid alcohol while taking Minipress, as it can increase the risk of side effects like dizziness, fainting, and low blood pressure.
Does Minipress affect sexual function?
In rare cases, Minipress can cause priapism, a prolonged and painful erection. If this occurs, seek medical attention immediately. Minipress may also improve symptoms of BPH, helping with urinary flow issues.
Comprehensive Drug Guide
How Does Minipress Work?
Minipress works by blocking alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in the blood vessels. This action prevents the hormone norepinephrine from tightening the blood vessels, leading to relaxation and dilation of the vessels. As a result, blood pressure is reduced, and the heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood. This effect also helps with symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by relaxing muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, easing urinary flow.
Common Dosages
- 1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg oral capsules
The typical starting dose is 1 mg taken two to three times daily, which can be gradually increased based on response and tolerability.
Typical Dosing
- For hypertension: The initial dose is 1 mg taken two or three times daily, with gradual dose adjustments as needed. Maintenance doses usually range from 6 mg to 15 mg per day, divided into doses.
- For BPH or PTSD-related nightmares: Dosing may start at 1 mg at bedtime, with gradual increases as tolerated, depending on the condition being treated.
Typical Dosing
FDA Approved Indications
- Hypertension: Used to manage high blood pressure, either alone or in combination with other medications.
- Congestive heart failure: Sometimes used in combination therapy for heart failure to reduce symptoms and improve cardiac output.
Who Shouldn't Take Minipress?
- Known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to prazosin or any of its components.
- Use with caution in patients with a history of orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up) or those prone to syncope (fainting).
Advice From The Pharmacist
- The first dose of Minipress should be taken at bedtime to minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting due to sudden blood pressure drops (the “first-dose effect”).
- Avoid sudden movements, such as standing up quickly, as Minipress can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness or fainting, especially after the first dose or after dose increases.
- Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and lightheadedness, so it’s advisable to limit alcohol consumption while taking Minipress.
- Store the medication at room temperature, away from light and moisture.
Side Effects of Minipress
Common Side Effects
- Dizziness or lightheadedness, particularly when standing up
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Palpitations (feeling of fast or irregular heartbeats)
Uncommon/Severe Side Effects
- Severe hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Fainting
- Priapism (a prolonged, painful erection that requires immediate medical attention)
Risks and Warnings of Minipress
- First-Dose Effect: Minipress can cause a marked drop in blood pressure after the first dose, leading to dizziness or fainting. To minimize this effect, the first dose should be taken at bedtime, and caution should be exercised when getting up.
- Orthostatic Hypotension: Patients should be monitored for signs of low blood pressure, especially when changing positions. Stand up slowly from sitting or lying down to avoid dizziness or fainting.
- Priapism: Although rare, prazosin can cause priapism, a prolonged erection that can lead to permanent damage if not treated promptly.
Interactions with Minipress
Common Drug Interactions
- Antihypertensives: Minipress may enhance the blood pressure-lowering effects of other antihypertensives, leading to a higher risk of hypotension. Dose adjustments may be required.
- PDE-5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil): These medications, used to treat erectile dysfunction, can also lower blood pressure and should be used with caution in combination with Minipress to avoid hypotension.
- Diuretics: Using diuretics with Minipress may increase the risk of low blood pressure and dizziness.
Alternatives to Minipress
- Terazosin: Another alpha-adrenergic blocker used for hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
- Doxazosin: A similar medication used for hypertension and BPH that may have a longer duration of action than prazosin.
- Clonidine: An alpha-agonist used to treat high blood pressure, often as a second-line or add-on therapy.
- Atenolol or metoprolol: Beta-blockers that can also be used to treat hypertension and heart-related conditions.
