VASOFLEX

This medicine contains the active ingredient Prazosin is one of the medicines called alpha-blockers. These medicines are used to control some nerve impulses by stopping them. This causes your blood vessel walls to relax and reduces high blood pressure. Beside the treatment of hypertension, Prazosin is prescribed for the treatment of heart failure (heart is not pumping blood as it should), painful cold fingers and toes (Raynaud’s Disease) and prostate gland enlargement (problems with passing urine). It causes the muscles surrounding the bladder and prostate gland to loosen up, so that urine is released easily.

Is Prazosin suitable for me?

Prazosin is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it

• if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Prazosin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• if you are not 12 years old (or more)

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

• have liver or kidney problems
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have ever fainted after passing urine
• have planned eye surgery because of cataract

Prazosin interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Prazosin?

This medicine is available in form of a tablet.

You should take Prazosin exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.

• For the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension), the usual starting dose is one 0.5 mg tablet, 2 or 3 times a day for 3 to 7 days with the starting dose taken in the evening. The maximum dose is 20 mg daily.
• For the treatment of heart failure, the usual starting dose is one 0.5 mg tablet taken 2, 3 or 4 times a day. The maximum dose is 20 mg daily.
• For the treatment of Raynaud’s disease, the usual starting dose is one 0.5 mg tablet, twice a day for 3 to 7 days. The maximum dose is 2 mg twice a day.
• For the treatment of enlarged prostate, the usual starting dose is one 0.5 mg tablet, twice a day for 3 to 7 days. The maximum dose is 2 mg twice a day.

Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed. Also, this medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take two doses together if you miss a dose. Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Prazosin side effects?

Like all medicines Prazosin can cause side effects, including:

Common side effects:

• dizziness, vertigo, headache
• low blood pressure  
• fainting
• swelling
• drowsiness or weakness
• forceful beating of the heart (palpitations)
• feeling or being sick
•  lack of energy, depression or nervousness
• constipation or diarrhea
•  dry mouth, nasal stuffiness or blurred vision
•  shortness of breath or rash
•  swelling of the feet, ankles or legs
• increase in frequency of passing urine

Uncommon side-effects

• stomach discomfort and/or pain
• chest pain or abnormally fast heart beat
• tingling sensation or numbness
• buzzing or ringing in the ear
• nose bleeds, eye pain or red eyes
• difficulty sleeping
• sweating, itching or itchy skin rash
• painful joints
• inability or difficulty in achieving erection of the penis

Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.