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This medication is used to treat high blood pressure and heavy sweating due to a certain tumor of the adrenal glands (pheochromocytoma). Phenoxybenzamine belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha blockers. It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily.This drug may also be used with other medications to treat certain blood circulation problems (e.g., Raynaud's syndrome).It is also used to treat certain conditions which involve difficulty urinating (e.g., neurogenic bladder, partial prostatic obstruction).
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| Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
Phenoxybenzamine
Uses
This medication is used to treat high blood pressure and heavy sweating due to a certain tumor of the adrenal glands (pheochromocytoma). Phenoxybenzamine belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha blockers. It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily.This drug may also be used with other medications to treat certain blood circulation problems (e.g., Raynaud's syndrome).It is also used to treat certain conditions which involve difficulty urinating (e.g., neurogenic bladder, partial prostatic obstruction).
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication.
- Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure at home, and share the results with your doctor.
Storage
- Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include: fainting, severe weakness, fast heartbeat.
How
To Use - Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 2 to 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
- To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
- It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well.
- Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
- Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.
- Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.Inform your doctor if your condition worsens (e.g., your routine blood pressure readings increase).
Side
Effects - Stomach upset, nausea, stuffy nose, drowsiness, dizziness or decrease in pupil size may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.To lower your risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast heartbeat, fainting, sexual problems in males (e.g., trouble ejaculating), weakness, chest pain, swelling of the ankles/feet, tiredness.For males, in the very unlikely event that you have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention, or permanent problems could occur.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
- However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking phenoxybenzamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other alpha blockers (e.g., phentolamine); or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood vessel disease (e.g., cerebral arteriosclerosis, coronary artery disease), heart disease (e.g., congestive heart failure), kidney disease, lung infections.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy.
- Use caution while driving, using machinery, or taking part in any other activity that requires alertness.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This drug may pass into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
- Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed
Dose - If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
- If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug
Interactions - Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: drugs for male sexual problems (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil), epinephrine, other alpha blockers (e.g., prazosin), other drugs for high blood pressure (e.g., diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers).Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, risperidone, amitriptyline, trazodone).Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs such as ibuprofen for pain/fever reduction) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure or contain drowsiness-causing ingredients.
- Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
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CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information
is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions
or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular
drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional
should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment. |
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