Prazosin (Minipress) Uses

Prazosin is used, alone or with other blood pressure medications, to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

There may be other uses of prazosin, such as for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), congestive heart failure, sleep problems related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor), and Raynaud’s disease—your doctor or pharmacist can give you further drug information.

Prazosin (Minipress) Mechanism of Action

Prazosin blocks the effects of certain substances in the body that cause the narrowing of blood vessels. It, therefore, makes blood flow easier and lowers blood pressure by allowing the blood vessels to relax.

Prazosin (Minipress) Doses

Prazosin is available in 1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg capsules. The dose of prazosin is adjusted on an individual basis depending on blood pressure response. The initial dose is typically 1 mg taken 2-3 times a day. The maintenance dose typically ranges between 6 mg and 15 mg daily in divided doses. Some people benefit from higher doses up to 20 mg and even 40 mg daily in divided doses. After the initial dose adjustment, you may be able to take this medication twice a day. If your doctor is adding another blood pressure medication, such as a diuretic (water pill), they will lower your prazosin dose to 1-2 mg three times a day and then adjust your dose as needed.