Minipress Side Effects

Minipress is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and abnormal enlargement of the prostate gland. It is potentially effective both used alone or with other high blood pressure medications, such as diuretics; or beta-blocking medications (drugs that ease heart contractions), such as atenolol. As is the case with many drugs, certain side effects are associated with Minipress use.

Cardiovascular Side Effects

• Cardiovascular side effects are quite common among those treated with Minipress. These side effects mainly occur during initial therapy, where 10% to 70% of patients report complications. Among these are a decrease in blood flow causing fainting, palpitations (7% to 14%), fluid retention, chest pain and decreased heart rate.

Ocular/Nervous System

• Ocular side effects have included intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS). This usually occurs in those undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery while being treated with alpha-1 blockers. Mild to severe nervous system side effects are hallucinations, irritability, and confusion in less than 1% of patients using Minipress. More common side effects include headache (8% to 18%), fatigue and blurred vision. Headaches are most common in those with a history of migraines.

Gastrointestinal/Genitourinary

• Some patients using Minipress have experienced genitourinary side effects that may become serious. These have included frequent urination, incontinence and impotence in less than 1% of male patients. Priapism has also been reported, mainly in those with renal problems. Nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea and dry mouth are genitourinary side effects that have been reported.

Allergic Reactions

• Though patients have not frequently reported allergic reactions to Minipress, seek immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. These include rash, hives, itching, swelling of the mouth, lips, face and tongue; difficulty breathing and tightness of the chest. Other symptoms are blurred vision, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, depression, severe dizziness and swelling of the hands and feet.

Additional Side Effects

• Further side effects associated with Minipress include raised and itchy rash, serum sickness that leads to fever, joint pain and cold chills. Insomnia, weakness, lightheadedness, nasal congestion and lack of energy have also been experienced. See Resources for more information on Minipress and possible side effects.