Product introduction

Minipress XL 5mg Tablet is used to treat high blood pressure and lower your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. It may also be used to treat heart failure and mild enlargement of the prostate gland.

Minipress XL 5mg Tablet may be prescribed alone or in combination with other medicines. It can be taken with or without food. The dose will depend on your condition and how you respond to the medicine. Take this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. High blood pressure does not usually have symptoms so keep taking it even if you feel well. If you stop, your blood pressure may rise and put you at risk of heart attack or stroke. You may need to take it for the rest of your life.

The most common side effects of this medicine include dizziness, headache, nausea, and unusual beating of the heart (palpitation). Most side effects disappear when you get used to the medicine. It may also cause your blood pressure to go too low especially when you first start taking this medicine. Your doctor may be able to help with ways of preventing or reducing these side effects.

If you are pregnant, thinking about becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding, ask your doctor before using this medicine. Also, inform your doctor if you have a history of heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease and if you are having eye surgery for a cataract. Your blood pressure will need to be checked regularly while using this medicine.

Uses of Minipress Tablet

Treatment of Hypertension (high blood pressure)Treatment of Heart failure

Benefits of Minipress Tablet

In Treatment of Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Minipress XL 5mg Tablet works by relaxing your blood vessels and making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. This lowers blood pressure. If your blood pressure is controlled, you are less at risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or kidney problems. The medicine must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective. You may not feel the immediate benefit after taking the medicine, however, it works in the long term to keep you well.

In Treatment of Heart failure

Minipress XL 5mg Tablet is usually used in the treatment of heart failure when other medicines are no longer working or have not worked at all. It works by relaxing your blood vessels and making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. The medicine improves your heart function and helps reduce the symptoms of congestion. To get the most benefits from the medicine, it should be taken regularly and as long as the doctor has prescribed it.show moreshow less

Side effects of Minipress Tablet

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Minipress

DizzinessHeadacheDrowsinessWeaknessLow energyPalpitationsNausea

How to use Minipress Tablet

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Minipress XL 5mg Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How Minipress Tablet works

Minipress XL 5mg Tablet is an alpha blocker. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily through the body.

Safety advice

AlcoholUNSAFEMinipress XL 5mg Tablet may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTORMinipress XL 5mg Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.Breast feedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTORMinipress XL 5mg Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.DrivingUNSAFEMinipress XL 5mg Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur. KidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBEDMinipress XL 5mg Tablet is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Minipress XL 5mg Tablet may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Minipress XL 5mg Tablet may be started with a low dose and then increased further. Regular blood pressure monitoring is advisable for dose adjustment.LiverCAUTIONMinipress XL 5mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Minipress XL 5mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

What if you forget to take Minipress Tablet?

If you miss a dose of Minipress XL 5mg Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Quick tips

You have been prescribed Minipress XL 5mg Tablet for the treatment of high blood pressure. It may cause sudden drop in your blood pressure, especially when you first start taking this medicine. To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Do not consume alcohol while taking Minipress XL 5mg Tablet as it may enhance the blood pressure lowering effect of this medicine causing increased dizziness. Be cautious while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as it can cause dizziness and sleepiness. Inform your doctor that you are taking Minipress XL 5mg Tablet if you are scheduled for a cataract surgery.

Fact Box

Chemical ClassPiperazine DerivativeHabit FormingNoTherapeutic ClassCARDIACAction ClassAdrenergic receptor (alpha) antagonist- selective

FAQs

Q. Is Minipress XL 5mg Tablet a sleeping pill?

No, Minipress XL 5mg Tablet is not a sleeping pill. On the contrary, it may cause difficulty falling asleep as an uncommon side effect of Minipress XL 5mg Tablet. A rare side effect of Minipress XL 5mg Tablet is an increased tendency to fall asleep if you have a sleep disorder (narcolepsy).

Q. Can Minipress XL 5mg Tablet get you high?

No, Minipress XL 5mg Tablet does not get you high. It does not have any abuse potential or any dependence. The common psychiatric side effects of Minipress XL 5mg Tablet include nervousness and depression.

Q. Is Minipress XL 5mg Tablet used for anxiety?

No, Minipress XL 5mg Tablet is not used for anxiety. But, it has been found to be effective in relieving sleep problems related to post-traumatic stress disorder when taken at high doses. Post-traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder which is found in people who experience or witness a traumatic, life-threatening event. This is not an approved use and therefore the benefit versus risks should be first considered by the doctor before prescribing.

Q. How should Minipress XL 5mg Tablet be taken?

Always take this medicine exactly as advised by your doctor. Minipress XL 5mg Tablet should be taken by mouth and can be taken before or after meal and drinks. Usually, it is advised to take the dose two or three times a day at evenly spaced intervals.

Q. What precaution should be followed while taking Minipress XL 5mg Tablet?

Minipress XL 5mg Tablet in certain cases can make you feel lightheaded or weak particularly when you first take it. This can happen when standing up and can occasionally cause fainting. If you feel light-headed or weak after taking the medicine lie down and try to get up slowly when you feel better. Minipress XL 5mg Tablet is usually started at the lowest possible dose and gradually increased, depending on how you respond to treatment. Do not change the dose or stop taking the tablets without first checking with your doctor.

Q. How long do I need to take Minipress XL 5mg Tablet?

Your doctor will decide the duration of treatment based on the condition you are being treated for. For instance, if you are being treated for high blood pressure then you may have to take it life long.

Q. What class of drug is Minipress XL 5mg Tablet?

Minipress XL 5mg Tablet belongs to a class of medications called alpha-blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily through the body.Show moreShow less