If Minipress is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important that you check with your doctor before combining Minipress with the following:
Beta blockers such as Inderal
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
Diuretics such as Dyazide
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others)
Other high blood pressure medications
When taken with other medicines, which reduce, blood pressure there be may be a large drop in blood pressure, particularly with the first dose of Minipress . This is most likely to occur in people taking beta-blockers such as atenolol, or calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine and verapamil.
Most important fact about Minipress
If you have high blood pressure, you must take Minipress regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Minipress; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well.
Minipress does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.
Special precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Minipress during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately.
Minipress passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take Minipress without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Special warnings about Minipress
The first dose of Minipress may cause dizziness, light-headedness or fainting. For this reason you should take the first dose, and preferably each dose, just before retiring to bed at night. Take care when moving from lying down to sitting or standing, particularly if you wake up in the night, until you know how Minipress affects you. If you feel dizzy or light-headed at any time during treatment, sit or lie down until the symptoms pass.
Minipress is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
Minipress is not recommended for people who have ever fainted after passing urine (micturition syncope).
Minipress is not recommended for people who have heart failure due to a mechanical obstruction of the heart, such as heart valve disease or blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism).
Minipress can cause low blood pressure, especially when you first start taking the medication. This can cause you to become faint, dizzy, or light-headed, particularly on standing up. You should avoid driving or any hazardous tasks where injury could occur for 24 hours after taking the first dose or after your dose has been increased. Dizziness, fainting, or light-headedness may also occur in hot weather, when exercising, or when standing for long periods of time. Ask your doctor what precautions you should take. Blood pressure should be checked frequently throughout treatment.
If you have heart failure, Minipress may become less effective over time. If this happens you may notice weight gain or swelling of the legs or ankles. If this occurs, inform your doctor as the dose of Minipress or other medicines you are taking may need to be altered.
Minipress should be used with caution in people with decreased kidney function, decreased liver function, elderly people, and individuals taking blood pressure lowering medication.
Why Minipress should not be prescribed?
Avoid Minipress if it, or similar drugs such as Cardura, Quinazolines and Hytrin, give you an allergic reaction.
