Drug Name

Minipress

Drug Uses

Minipress is used for treating high blood pressure or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Minipress as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Take Minipress by mouth with or without food.
If you miss a dose of Minipress , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Minipress .

Drug Class and Mechanism

Minipress is an alpha-blocker. It works by causing the blood vessels and the muscles around the urethra (the tube leading out of the bladder) to relax. This helps to lower blood pressure and to improve urinary symptoms associated with enlargement of the prostate (BPH).

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Storage

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Minipress if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Minipress

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Minipress:
Some medical conditions may interact with Minipress . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have chest pain, heart disease, narcolepsy, or kidney problems
• if you will be having eye surgery

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Minipress . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) or verapamil because they may increase the risk of Minipress 's side effects
• Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol) or phosphodiesterase inhibitors (eg, sildenafil) because their actions and the risk of their side effects may be increased by Minipress

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Minipress may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; frequent urination; headache; lack of energy; lightheadedness; nasal congestion; nausea; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; depression; severe or persistent dizziness; swelling of the hands or feet.

More Information

If you have any questions about Minipress , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Minipress is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.