• Mild to moderate hypertension.

Unlabeled Uses:

• Urinary outflow obstruction in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Contraindicated in:

• Hypersensitivity.

Use Cautiously in:

• Renal impairment (↑ sensitivity to effects; dose ↓ may be required)
• Angina pectoris
• Patients undergoing cataract surgery (↑ risk of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome)
• OB: Use during pregnancy only if potential maternal benefit justifies potential fetal risk; other antihypertensives preferred in pregnancy
• Lactation: Use while breastfeeding only if potential maternal benefit justifies potential risk to infant
• Pedi: Safety and effectiveness not established in children
• Geri: Appears on Beers list. ↑ risk of orthostatic hypotension in older adults. Avoid use for treatment of hypertension in older adults.

CV: first-dose orthostatic hypotension, palpitations, angina, edema, syncope.

EENT: blurred vision, intraoperative floppy iris syndrome.

GI: abdominal cramps, diarrhea, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting.

GU: erectile dysfunction, priapism.

Neuro: dizziness, headache, weakness, depression, drowsiness.

Drug-Drug:

• Additive hypotension with acute ingestion of alcohol, other antihypertensives, or nitrates.
• Antihypertensive effects may be ↓ by NSAIDs.

(Generic available)

• Capsules: 1 mg; 2 mg; 5 mg;
• Tablets: 1 mg; 2 mg; 5 mg;

Hypertension

• PO (Adults): 1 mg 2–3 times daily (give 1st dose at bedtime) for initial 3 days of therapy, then ↑ gradually to maintenance dose of 6–15 mg/day in 2–3 divided doses (not to exceed 20–40 mg/day).

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

• PO (Adults): 1–5 mg twice daily.

Minipress

• Dilates both arteries and veins by blocking postsynaptic alpha₁-adrenergic receptors.
• Decreases contractions in smooth muscle of prostatic capsule.

• Lowering of BP.
• Decreased symptoms of prostatic hyperplasia (urinary urgency, urinary hesitancy, nocturia).

Therapeutic Classification: antihypertensives

Pharmacologic Classification: peripherally acting antiadrenergics

Absorption: 60% absorbed following oral administration.

Distribution: Widely distributed.

Protein Binding: 97%.

Metabolism/Excretion: Extensively metabolized by the liver. Minimal (5–10%) renal excretion of unchanged drug.

Half-life: 2–3 hr.

(antihypertensive effects)

†Following single dose; maximal antihypertensive effects occur after 3–4 wk of chronic dosing.

• Instruct patient to take medication at the same time each day. Take missed doses as soon as remembered. If not remembered until next day, omit; do not double doses.
  • Advise patient to weigh self twice weekly and assess feet and ankles for fluid retention.
  • May cause dizziness or drowsiness. Advise patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to the medication is known.
  • Caution patient to avoid sudden changes in position to decrease orthostatic hypotension. Alcohol, CNS depressants, standing for long periods, hot showers, and exercising in hot weather should be avoided because of enhanced orthostatic effects.
  • Advise patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care professional before taking other medications, especially NSAIDs and cough, cold, or allergy remedies.
  • Instruct patient to notify health care professional of medication regimen before any surgery.
  • Advise patient to notify health care professional immediately if erection lasts for 4 hr or longer or if frequent dizziness, fainting, or swelling of feet or lower legs occurs.
  • Advise females of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.
  • Emphasize the importance of follow-up exams to evaluate effectiveness of medication.
• Hypertension: Emphasize the importance of continuing to take this medication as directed, even if feeling well. Medication controls but does not cure hypertension.
• Encourage patient to comply with additional interventions for hypertension (weight reduction, low-sodium diet, smoking cessation, moderation of alcohol consumption, regular exercise, and stress management).
• Instruct patient and family on proper technique for BP monitoring. Advise them to check BP at least weekly and to report significant changes.

PRA-zoe-sin