Chemmart Prazosin 5mg Tablets (Pack of 100)

Pressin

contains the active ingredient prazosin (hydrochloride)
CONSUMER MEDICINE INFORMATION

What is in this leaflet

This leaflet answers some common questions about Pressin.

It does not contain all of the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

All medicines have benefits and risks. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking Pressin against the benefits they expect it will have for you.

If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet with your medicine. You may need to read it again.

What Pressin is used for

Pressin is used to treat:

  • high blood pressure, also called hypertension
  • certain types of heart failure
  • benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men waiting for prostate surgery
  • Raynaud`s disease, where the fingers and toes become white and painful when cold.
  • Pressin belongs to a group of medicines called alpha-blockers. These medicines work by relaxing blood vessels, making it easier for blood to move around your body.

  • Pressin also relieves prostate problems by relaxing muscles in the prostate gland and increasing the flow of urine.

    When used to treat high blood pressure or heart failure, Pressin is often used together with other medicines.

    Your doctor may have prescribed Pressin for another purpose. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Pressin has been prescribed for you.

  • Pressin is not recommended for use in children under the age of 12, as its safety has not been established in this age group.
  • Pressin is available only with a doctor`s prescription.
  • There is no evidence that Pressin is addictive.
  • Before you take Pressin

    When you must not take it

  • Do not take Pressin if you are allergic to medicines containing prazosin, other related medicines called quinazolines (e.g. doxazosin, metolazone, terazosin) or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
  • Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath.
  • Do not take Pressin if the expiry date (Exp.) printed on the pack has passed.

    Do not take Pressin if the packaging shows signs of tampering or the tablets do not look quite right.

    Before you start to take it

    Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives.

    Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

    Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking Pressin during pregnancy.

    Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or wish to breastfeed.

    Pressin passes into breastmilk. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking Pressin when breastfeeding.

    Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions, especially the following:

  • kidney problems
  • liver problems
  • certain heart problems such as angina.
  • Your doctor may want to take special care if you have any of these conditions.

    Tell your doctor if you plan to have surgery.

    If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you start taking Pressin.

    Taking other medicines

    Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

    Some medicines may be affected by Pressin, or may affect how well it works. These include:

  • other medicines used to treat high blood pressure or other heart conditions
  • diuretics, also called fluid tablets
  • medicines to treat impotence (erectile dysfunction).
  • Your doctor can tell you what to do if you are taking any of these medicines.

    If you are not sure whether you are taking any of these medicines, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

    Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking Pressin.

    How to take Pressin

    Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist carefully.

    They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

    If you do not understand the instructions on the pack, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.

    How much to take

    Starting Pressin

    The usual starting dose is 0.5 mg (half a 1 mg tablet) twice a day. Your doctor may gradually increase this dose as required.

    Starting with a low dose reduces the risk of too great a drop in your blood pressure which can make you dizzy, lightheaded or faint.

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)

    The usual starting dose is 0.5 mg (half a 1 mg tablet) twice a day increasing to 1 mg two (2) or three (3) times a day. Your doctor may increase this up to 20 mg a day, and taken as divided doses.

    Heart failure

    The usual starting dose is 0.5 mg (half a 1 mg tablet) increasing to 4 mg a day, divided into three (3) or four (4) doses. This may be increased by your doctor up to 20 mg a day, and taken as divided doses.

    Raynaud`s disease

    The usual starting dose is 0.5 mg (half a 1 mg tablet) twice (2) a day. Your doctor may increase this up to 1 mg or 2 mg twice (2) a day.

    Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

    The usual starting dose is 0.5 mg (half a tablet) twice (2) a day. Your doctor may increase this to 2 mg twice (2) a day.

    However, depending on your condition and how you react to the medicine, your doctor may ask you to take some other dose.

    How to take it

    Swallow the tablets with a glass of water.

    Pressin tablets can be broken in half if your doctor has prescribed half a tablet.

    When to take it

    Pressin can be taken with or without food.

    Take Pressin at about the same time each day.

    Taking your tablets at about the same time each day will have the best effect. This will also help you remember when to take them.

  • If you are starting Pressin, take your first dose last thing at night, just before going to bed. Be especially careful if you need to get up during the night, because you may feel dizzy and could fall.

    If your doctor increases your dose, take the first of the increased doses last thing at night. Again, be especially careful if you have to get up at night.

    If you forget to take it

    If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

    Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your tablets as you would normally.

    Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

    If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

    If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

    How long to take it for

    Keep taking Pressin for as long as your doctor recommends.

    If you are taking Pressin for high blood pressure, heart failure or Raynaud`s disease, you may need to take it for a long time. To properly control these conditions, Pressin must be taken every day.

    If you are taking Pressin for prostate problems, you will only have to take it until your operation.

    If you take too much (overdose)

    Immediately telephone your doctor, or the Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26), or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital, if you think you or anyone else may have taken too much Pressin. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

    You may need urgent medical attention.

    If you take too much Pressin, you may feel dizzy or lightheaded, have a fast or irregular heart beat or even faint.

    While you are taking Pressin

    Things you must do

    Before starting any new medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking Pressin.

    Tell any other doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking Pressin.

    If you become pregnant while taking Pressin, tell your doctor immediately.

    If you have to have any urine tests, tell your doctor that you are taking Pressin.

    Pressin may affect the results of some tests.

    Visit your doctor regularly so they can check on your progress.

    Get up slowly from sitting or lying down.

    Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting may occur when you begin to take Pressin, or if the dose is increased. This happens especially when you get up too quickly.

    These symptoms can be dangerous, especially in elderly people with heart or blood vessel disease.

    If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, lie down so that you do not faint. Then sit for a few moments before standing to stop you from feeling dizzy again.

    If these symptoms continue or become worse, tell your doctor.

    Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of your medications.

    Things you must not do

    Do not stop taking Pressin, or change the dose, without checking with your doctor.

    Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount of Pressin you are taking before stopping completely.

    Do not let yourself run out of tablets over the weekend or on holidays.

    Do not use Pressin to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.

    Do not give Pressin to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.

    Things to be careful of

    Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Pressin affects you.

    Pressin may cause dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting in some people, especially after the first dose or after a dose increase. Blurred vision and drowsiness may also occur. If any of these occur, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous.

    Make sure you drink enough water in hot weather, during exercise and when you stand for long periods of time, while you are taking Pressin.

    If you do not drink enough water while taking Pressin, you may feel faint, dizzy or lightheaded. If you continue to feel unwell, tell your doctor.

    Be careful to limit the amount of alcohol while taking Pressin.

    Combining Pressin and alcohol can make you more dizzy or lightheaded.

    Side effects

    Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Pressin.

    Like other medicines, Pressin may have unwanted side effects in some people. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.

    Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects.

    You may not experience any of them.

    Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.

    Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you:

  • dizziness, spinning sensation or lightheadedness when getting up
  • pounding heart beat
  • swelling of the hands, feet or ankles
  • feeling sick, vomiting, dry mouth
  • diarrhoea, constipation
  • weakness, lack of energy
  • headache, drowsiness, nervousness, depression
  • blurred vision
  • stuffy nose, shortness of breath
  • hair loss or thinning
  • painful, continual erection
  • poor bladder control
  • difficulty sleeping
  • breast enlargement
  • generally feeling unwell.
  • These side effects are usually mild.

    Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:

  • fast or slow heart beat, chest pain, fainting
  • rash, hives, itching or other skin problems
  • sharp pain in the stomach or back
  • tingling feelings.
  • The above list includes serious side effects that may require medical attention. Serious side effects are rare.

    If any of the following happen, tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital:

  • swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing.
  • The above list includes very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. These side effects are very rare.

    Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.

    Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people.

    After taking Pressin

    Storage

    Keep your tablets in the pack until it is time to take them.

    If you take the tablets out of the pack, they may not keep well.

    Keep your tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30 degrees C.

    Do not store Pressin or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink.

    Do not leave Pressin in the car or on window sills.

    Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.

    Keep Pressin where children cannot reach it.

    A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

    Disposal

    If your doctor tells you to stop taking Pressin, or your tablets have passed their expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any that are left over.

    Product description

    What it looks like

    Pressin comes in 3 strengths of tablets:

  • Pressin 1 – orange, round, scored tablet marked PN over 1 on one side and a Greek Alpha symbol on the reverse
  • Pressin 2 – white, capsule-shaped scored tablet marked PN|2 on one side and a Greek Alpha symbol on the reverse.
  • Pressin 5 – white, capsule-shaped scored tablet marked PN|5 on one side and a Greek Alpha symbol on the reverse.
  • Each pack contains 100 tablets.

    Ingredients

    The active ingredient in Pressin is prazosin (as prazosin hydrochloride):

  • each Pressin 1 tablet contains 1 mg of prazosin
  • each Pressin 2 tablet contains 2 mg of prazosin
  • each Pressin 5 tablet contains 5 mg of prazosin.
  • The tablets also contain:

  • calcium hydrogen phosphate
  • wheat starch
  • microcrystalline cellulose
  • magnesium stearate
  • sodium lauryl sulphate
  • sunset yellow FCF CI15985 (110)
  • (Pressin 1 only).
  • Supplier

  • Pressin is supplied by:
  • Alphapharm Pty Limited
  • (ABN 93 002 359 739)
  • Chase Building 2
  • Wentworth Park Road
  • Glebe NSW 2037
  • Phone: (02) 9298 3999
  • Medical Information
  • Phone: 1800 028 365
  • Australian registration numbers:
  • Pressin 1 – Aust R 44555
  • Pressin 2 – Aust R 44557
  • Pressin 5 – Aust R 44558
  • This leaflet was prepared on
  • 5 January 2007.
  • ENQUIRE

    1800 200 736