Prazosin
| 300px | |
| Systematic (IUPAC) name | |
|---|---|
|
2-[4-(2-furoyl)piperazin-1-yl]-6,7-dimethoxyquinazolin-4-amine | |
| Clinical data | |
| Routes of administration | Oral |
| Legal status | |
| Legal status |
|
| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Bioavailability | ~60% |
| Protein binding | 97% |
| Biological half-life | 2–3 hours |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 19216-56-9 |
| ATC code | C02CA01 (WHO) |
| PubChem | CID 4893 |
| IUPHAR/BPS | 503 |
| DrugBank | APRD00020 |
| ChemSpider | 4724 |
| Chemical data | |
| Formula | C19H21N5O4 |
| Molar mass | 383.401 g/mol[[Script error: No such module "String".]] |
| (verify) | |
Prazosin, trade names Minipress,Vasoflex,Pressin and Hypovase, is a sympatholytic drug used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It belongs to the class of alpha-adrenergic blockers, which lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. Specifically, prazosin is selective for the alpha-1 receptors on vascular smooth muscle. These receptors are responsible for the vasoconstrictive action of norepinephrine, which would normally raise blood pressure. By blocking these receptors, prazosin reduces blood pressure.
Contents
Use
Prazosin is orally active and has a minimal effect on cardiac function due to its alpha-1 receptor selectivity. However, when prazosin is initially started, heart rate and contractility go up in order to maintain the pre-treatment blood pressures. This is because the body has reached homeostasis at this abnormally high blood pressure. The blood pressure lowering effect is apparent however when prazosin is taken for longer periods of time. The heart rate and contractility go back down over time and blood pressure decreases.
The antihypertensive characteristics of prazosin make it a second-line choice for the treatment of high blood pressure.[1]
Prazosin is also useful in treating urinary hesitancy associated with prostatic hyperplasia by blocking alpha-1 receptors, which control constriction of both the prostate and ureters. Although not a first line choice for either hypertension or prostatic hyperplasia, it is a choice for patients who present with both problems concomitantly.[1]
This medication has shown to be effective in treating severe nightmares in children, associated with PTSD symptoms.[2] Also veterans have been treated successfully at the Oregon VA for sleep disturbance related to PTSD. Doses are lower for this purpose than for control of blood pressure.[2]
Side effects
Side effects of prazosin include orthostatic hypotension, syncope, and nasal congestion. The orthostatic hypotension and syncope are associated with the body's poor ability to control blood pressure without active alpha-adrenergic receptors. Patients on prazosin should be told not to stand up too quickly, since their poor baroreflex may cause them to faint as all their blood rushes to their feet. The nasal congestion is due to dilation of vessels in the nasal mucosa.
One phenomenon associated with prazosin is known as the "first dose response", in which the side effects of the drug, especially orthostatic hypotension and fainting, are especially pronounced after the first dose.
Another common side effect of prazosin (and doxazosin) is priapism.[3][4]
Prazosin in management of PTSD
Prazosin has been reported to be useful in management of nightmares in military personnel suffering from post-combat stresses. It remains uncertain how effective prazosin may be in treating other aspects of PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder).[5]
Prazosin in scorpion stings
Since 1983 prazosin has revolutionized the management of severe scorpion stings.[6]
References
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<references />, or <references group="..." />- "Drug Helps PTSD Nightmares" (Press release). Department of Veteran Affairs. March 30, 2008. http://www.research.va.gov/news/press_releases/ptsd-033007.cfm. Retrieved 2009-03-16.
fr:Prazosine hr:Prazosin ja:プラゾシン
pt:Prazosina- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Shen, Howard (2008). Illustrated Pharmacology Memory Cards: PharMnemonics. Minireview. p. 13. ISBN 1-59541-101-1.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Drug Helps PTSD Nightmares" (Press release). Department of Veteran Affairs. March 30, 2008. http://www.research.va.gov/news/press_releases/ptsd-033007.cfm. Retrieved 2009-03-16.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Citation/CS1/Suggestions' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Citation/CS1/Suggestions' not found.
- ↑ "Blood pressure pill slays nightmares", Fontaine, Scott, Washington Post, December 31, 2009, downloaded 2009 December 31
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Citation/CS1/Suggestions' not found.
