MHVI Owners Manual . Medications . Adrenergic Blockers

Names
doxazosin (Cardura)
guanadrel (Hylorel)
phenoxybenzamine (Dibenzyline)
prazosin (Minipress)
terazosin (Hytrin)

Q. Why has my doctor prescribed this type of medication?
A. Adrenergic blockers are drugs that dilate blood vessels to lower blood pressure. They are used to treat:

Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Urinary problems due to an enlarged prostate gland

This category of medicines is one of several different kinds of antihypertensives. Please also refer to the sections in this manual that describe beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, Angiotensin receptor blockers, miscellaneous antihypertensives and diuretics.

Q. Are there any special precautions that I need to be aware of before I start this type of medication?
A. Please carefully review the general guidelines in this section. Talk with your doctor, nurse and/or pharmacist. Tell them if you:

Are taking any other medication, prescription or non-prescription, including vitamins and herbs, especially any other medications for your heart, blood vessels or blood pressure
Have any other medical conditions, especially kidney disease

Q. What is the proper way to take these medications?
A. Follow these guidelines:

Because these medications can cause drowziness or faintness with the first doses, begin taking them at bedtime.
Consult your doctor concerning the need for a low sodium diet.
Do not take this medication on an empty stomach.

Q. What are the possible side effects of this type of medication?
A. Although these medications are usually well tolerated, they may result in one or more of the following: drowziness or fainting, especially when you first begin taking the medication; palpitations; nausea; blurred vision; swelling of the hands or feet; chest pain or shortness of breath. Call your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.