Prescription medication · Alpha-1 Blocker
prazosin
Also sold as Minipress. Prazosin is used to treat high blood pressure.
Data updated 2026-05-15
- 5,825
- FDA reportsLightly reported
- 11
- InteractionsSeveral interactions
- In shortage
- FDA status
What the data shows
prazosin (Minipress) is a prescription Alpha-1 Blocker, reported less often than most tracked drugs (5,825 FDA reports), with 11 documented drug interactions.
Reporting volume reflects how widely a drug is used and studied, not how dangerous it is, a FAERS report documents a temporal association, never proof of cause.
prazosin (Minipress) is a prescription Alpha-1 Blocker. Prazosin is used to treat high blood pressure.
Prazosin (Minipress) is a medicine that lowers your blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure helps prevent strokes and heart attacks.
Verify with FDA → · CMS NADAC pricing →
Drug Shortage Alert
prazosin is currently listed as to be discontinued by the FDA. Affected manufacturer: Pfizer Inc..
View all drug shortages →Drug Pricing (NADAC)
Generic Price
$0.11/unit
Generic Available
Yes (10 manufacturers)
Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective December 18, 2024. Compare all drug costs →
What it does
Prazosin is used to treat high blood pressure.
Common side effects
Dizziness, Headache, Drowsiness
Key warnings
Prazosin can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when you first start taking it.
The sections below are summarized in plain English from prazosin's FDA-approved prescribing information. They describe what the official label says, and are not personal medical advice.
How It Works
Prazosin belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-1 blockers. It works by relaxing your blood vessels. This makes it easier for blood to flow through your body, which lowers blood pressure.
Side Effects (from patient reports)
Based on 5,825 FDA adverse event reports.
Most-reported reactions
Adverse reactions in FAERS for prazosin, by number of reports
- Nausea
Nausea
361 reports
- Headache
Headache
265 reports
- Dizziness
Dizziness
263 reports
- Anxiety
Anxiety
260 reports
- Fatigue
Fatigue
257 reports
- Pain
Pain
254 reports
- Vomiting
Vomiting
246 reports
- Depression
Depression
239 reports
- Drug Interaction
Drug Interaction
233 reports
- Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea
227 reports
What this shows Bars show how often each reaction was reported, not how likely it is to happen, a report records a temporal association, never proof that the drug caused it.
Reports over time
Adverse-event reports filed for prazosin each year to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).
Year-to-year volume tracks usage, prescribing, and scrutiny, not a change in per-patient risk. Source: FDA FAERS.
Where prazosin sits
prazosin has more FDA adverse-event reports than 27% of the drugs FAERS tracks. A high position reflects how widely a drug is used and watched, not how dangerous it is.
Percentile across all drugs PlainMeds tracks by FAERS report volume. The dot is prazosin; the line is the median (50th percentile).
FDA Adverse Event Report Analysis
Detailed analysis of 5,825 reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Reports span 2001–2025.
Total Reports
5,825
Reports Mentioning Death
676
11.6% of reports — not proof of cause
Hospitalization Reports
2,125
Top Indication
Product Used For Unknown Indication
Gender Distribution
Age Distribution
Most Reported Adverse Reactions (FAERS)
| # | Reaction | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | NAUSEA | 361 |
| 4 | HEADACHE | 265 |
| 5 | DIZZINESS | 263 |
| 6 | ANXIETY | 260 |
| 7 | FATIGUE | 257 |
| 8 | PAIN | 254 |
| 9 | VOMITING | 246 |
| 10 | DEPRESSION | 239 |
| 11 | DRUG INTERACTION | 233 |
| 12 | DIARRHOEA | 227 |
| 13 | SUICIDAL IDEATION | 220 |
| 14 | DYSPNOEA | 212 |
| 15 | FALL | 211 |
| 16 | TOXICITY TO VARIOUS AGENTS | 203 |
| 17 | HYPOTENSION | 201 |
Reactions in Death Reports
Reactions in Hospitalization Reports
Source: FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) Reports are voluntary and do not establish causation
Serious Warnings
Prazosin can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when you first start taking it. This can make you feel dizzy or faint. To avoid this, take your first dose at bedtime. Be careful when standing up quickly.
Known Drug Interactions
Drug Interactions Prazosin hydrochloride has been administered without any adverse drug interaction in limited clinical experience to date with the following: (1) cardiac glycosides– digitalis and digoxin; (2) hypoglycemics–insulin, chlorpropamide, phenformin, tolazamide, and tolbutamide; (3) tranquilizers and sedatives–chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, and phenobarbital; (4) antigout– allopurinol, colchicine, and probenecid; (5) antiarrhythmics–procainamide, propranolol ( see WARNINGS however), and quinidine; and (6) analgesics, antipyretics and anti-inflammatories– propoxyphene, aspirin,...
Mechanism: There is no evidence that these two medications cause problems when taken together.
Drug Interactions Prazosin hydrochloride has been administered without any adverse drug interaction in limited clinical experience to date with the following: (1) cardiac glycosides– digitalis and digoxin; (2) hypoglycemics–insulin, chlorpropamide, phenformin, tolazamide, and tolbutamide; (3) tranquilizers and sedatives–chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, and phenobarbital; (4) antigout– allopurinol, colchicine, and probenecid; (5) antiarrhythmics–procainamide, propranolol ( see WARNINGS however), and quinidine; and (6) analgesics, antipyretics and anti-inflammatories– propoxyphene, aspirin,...
Mechanism: Prazosin and aspirin do not have a known negative reaction when used together. They appear to work safely in the body without interfering with each other.
Drug Interactions Prazosin hydrochloride has been administered without any adverse drug interaction in limited clinical experience to date with the following: (1) cardiac glycosides– digitalis and digoxin; (2) hypoglycemics–insulin, chlorpropamide, phenformin, tolazamide, and tolbutamide; (3) tranquilizers and sedatives–chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, and phenobarbital; (4) antigout– allopurinol, colchicine, and probenecid; (5) antiarrhythmics–procainamide, propranolol ( see WARNINGS however), and quinidine; and (6) analgesics, antipyretics and anti-inflammatories– propoxyphene, aspirin,...
Mechanism: These two drugs have been used together without causing any harmful side effects. They do not seem to change how the other medication works in the body.
Drug Interactions Prazosin hydrochloride has been administered without any adverse drug interaction in limited clinical experience to date with the following: (1) cardiac glycosides– digitalis and digoxin; (2) hypoglycemics–insulin, chlorpropamide, phenformin, tolazamide, and tolbutamide; (3) tranquilizers and sedatives–chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, and phenobarbital; (4) antigout– allopurinol, colchicine, and probenecid; (5) antiarrhythmics–procainamide, propranolol ( see WARNINGS however), and quinidine; and (6) analgesics, antipyretics and anti-inflammatories– propoxyphene, aspirin,...
Mechanism: There is no evidence that these drugs cause problems when taken at the same time. They do not appear to affect each other's safety or effectiveness.
Drug Interactions Prazosin hydrochloride has been administered without any adverse drug interaction in limited clinical experience to date with the following: (1) cardiac glycosides– digitalis and digoxin; (2) hypoglycemics–insulin, chlorpropamide, phenformin, tolazamide, and tolbutamide; (3) tranquilizers and sedatives–chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, and phenobarbital; (4) antigout– allopurinol, colchicine, and probenecid; (5) antiarrhythmics–procainamide, propranolol ( see WARNINGS however), and quinidine; and (6) analgesics, antipyretics and anti-inflammatories– propoxyphene, aspirin,...
Mechanism: Based on limited clinical data, these drugs do not have a known harmful interaction. They appear to be compatible when taken together.
This is a plain-language summary of FDA-label interaction records and does not provide individual medication-combination directions.
Common Questions
Can I drink alcohol while taking prazosin?
Will prazosin cure my high blood pressure?
Can I stop taking prazosin if I feel better?
Does prazosin interact with other medications?
How long does it take for prazosin to start working?
Can prazosin cause weight gain?
Can I take prazosin if I have kidney problems?
Can prazosin affect my cholesterol?
Is it safe to drive while taking prazosin?
What should I do if I feel dizzy after taking prazosin?
What are the common side effects of prazosin?
Does prazosin interact with other medications?
What drug class is prazosin?
What pregnancy or breastfeeding source fields are listed for prazosin?
Has prazosin been recalled?
Is prazosin currently in shortage?
Active Recalls
cGMP deviation: detection of Nitrosamine Drug Substance-Related Impurities, N-nitroso-prazosin impurity C (NNP) above acceptable limits.
Appco Pharma LLC
cGMP deviation: detection of Nitrosamine Drug Substance-Related Impurities, N-nitroso-prazosin impurity C (NNP) above acceptable limits.
Appco Pharma LLC
cGMP deviation: detection of Nitrosamine Drug Substance-Related Impurities, N-nitroso-prazosin impurity C (NNP) above acceptable limits.
Appco Pharma LLC
Failed Impurities/Degradation Specification: presence of N-nitroso Prazosin impurity C above the Carcinogenic Potency Categorization Approach (CPCA) acceptable intake limit
Amerisource Health Services LLC
CGMP Deviations-Test results for N-nitroso Prazosin impurity C that are above the Carcinogenic Potency Categorization Approach (CPCA) acceptable intake limit for the above specified lots.
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc
CGMP Deviations-Test results for N-nitroso Prazosin impurity C that are above the Carcinogenic Potency Categorization Approach (CPCA) acceptable intake limit for the above specified lots.
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc
Related Medications in Alpha-1 Blocker
Other drugs grouped near prazosin - same-class peers and common alternatives.
acebutolol
Sectral
Acebutolol is a medicine that helps lower blood pressure and control irregular heartbeats.
Compare with prazosin →
aliskiren
Tekturna
Tekturna is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure.
Compare with prazosin →
amiloride
Midamor
Amiloride is a water pill that helps your body hold onto potassium.
Compare with prazosin →
amlodipine
Norvasc
Amlodipine (Norvasc) is a drug that lowers blood pressure and treats chest pain.
Compare with prazosin →
amlodipine/benazepril
Lotrel
Lotrel is a combination medicine that contains amlodipine and benazepril.
Compare with prazosin →
Compare beyond drug class
Nationwide peers by FAERS volume & death-report share
Two PlainMeds-derived comparison paths for prazosin: nearest FDA FAERS report volume and nearest death-report share among drugs with at least 1,000 logged reports, excluding same-class neighbors listed above. Counts reflect reporting volume, not proven individual harm.
Similar FAERS report volume
Nearest drugs by total FAERS reports. This record: 5,825.
Similar death-report share
Nearest drugs by FAERS death-report share. This record: 11.61%.
- rabeprazole Δ 0.03 pts · 21,352 reports · Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) 11.58%death share
- indomethacin Δ 0.03 pts · 12,919 reports · Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) 11.57%death share
- degarelix Δ 0.04 pts · 4,979 reports · GnRH Antagonist 11.57%death share
- clonazepam Δ 0.11 pts · 155,147 reports · Benzodiazepine 11.72%death share
Medication Guides
Understanding Drug Interactions
How CYP450 enzymes, inhibitors, and inducers affect your medications
Generic vs Brand Name Drugs
FDA requirements, cost savings, and when the difference matters
Narrow Therapeutic Index Drugs
FDA bioequivalence and label-record context for narrow therapeutic index medicines
Common Drug Interactions
Dangerous medication combinations and how to protect yourself
Save on prazosin
Compare prices and find discounts at pharmacies near you. Free coupons can save up to 80% on prescriptions.
Disclosure: This link may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. See our terms.
What the FDA Data Shows for prazosin
The FDA label for prazosin (sold under brand names such as Minipress) classifies it as a prescription-only medication in the Alpha-1 Blocker class. Prazosin is used to treat high blood pressure. Official labeling lists 6 commonly reported side effects, including Dizziness, Headache, Drowsiness.
Post-market surveillance from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) captures real-world experience. For this drug, FAERS contains 5,825 voluntary reports. The database also lists 11 documented drug interactions derived from FDA labeling, with the top-flagged interaction rated minor severity. NADAC pricing from CMS shows a generic unit cost of $0.11.
Report counts do not establish causation, a FAERS entry documents a temporal association, not proof that the drug produced the outcome. Widely prescribed medications naturally accumulate more reports than niche therapies, so raw totals must be interpreted alongside total exposure. Shortage status, recall history (currently 6 recall records on file), and patent information are separate source-record fields. This page is a public FDA/CMS registry and does not provide medical, treatment, substitution, or medication-change directions.
Data Sources
Drug labeling: FDA Drug Labels (SPL/DailyMed). Adverse events: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Pricing: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC). Shortage status: FDA Drug Shortages Database.
FAERS reports are voluntary and do not establish causation. Drug interactions are derived from FDA labeling and clinical references. This registry does not provide medication decisions.
Last updated: April 4, 2023
PlainMeds is rendered directly from FDA openFDA/FAERS extracts, DailyMed labels, and CMS drug-pricing files, no number is typed in by an editor. FAERS counts, recalls, shortages, and price figures on this page are queried live from those federal extracts. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of 2026-05-15. Primary sources: openFDA / FAERS, DailyMed and CMS Part B ASP.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Data currency: FDA FAERS adverse-event reports through 2025, CMS NADAC acquisition-cost pricing effective December 2024, compiled from the source snapshot dated . See our methodology for per-source dates and refresh cadence. Spot a figure that looks wrong? Report a data issue.
All federal data sources used on this page
- FDA Orange Book - approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence. accessdata.fda.gov/cder/ob
- FDA DailyMed - NIH-hosted drug labeling for FDA-approved meds. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) - post-marketing safety surveillance. fda.gov/drugs/faers
- NLM RxNorm - standardized clinical drug nomenclature. nlm.nih.gov/research/umls/rxnorm
- CMS Medicare Part B Drug Average Sales Price Files - federal drug pricing data. cms.gov/medicare/part-b-drugs/asp
- FDA Drug Shortages Database - current and resolved drug shortage tracking. accessdata.fda.gov/drugshortages