What is the recommended dosing of Prazosin (an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker) for pediatric patients?

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Last updated: February 7, 2025 • View editorial policy

There are no official guidelines to assist in answering this question. I will search for relevant research papers instead.

The FDA Drug Labels for prazosin (PO) do not address this question.

From the Research

  • The recommended dosing of Prazosin for pediatric patients is not well established, but a study published in 2020 1 reported a mean dose of 2.16 mg/day for patients under the age of 15.
  • Another study published in 1991 2 emphasized the importance of individualized dosing in pediatric patients, considering factors such as age, size, and level of organ maturity.
  • A case report published in 2018 3 described a 16-year-old patient who ingested 110 mg of Prazosin, resulting in refractory hypotension, highlighting the need for careful dosing and monitoring in pediatric patients.
  • Studies in adult populations have reported optimal doses of Prazosin ranging from 1 to 4 mg/day for the treatment of PTSD 4, and 2-6 mg at night for maintenance levels 5.
  • However, it is essential to note that these doses may not be directly applicable to pediatric patients, and further research is needed to establish safe and effective dosing guidelines for this population.

Considerations for Dosing in Pediatric Patients

  • Pediatric patients require individualized dosing considering their unique pharmacokinetic parameters 2.
  • The absence of established dosing guidelines and pediatric dosage forms for Prazosin increases the potential for dosing errors and adverse effects in young patients 2.
  • Clinicians should be aware of the pharmacology behind alpha-1 antagonist overdose and consider treatment options, such as vasopressin, when hypotension is resistant to standard fluid and catecholamine therapy 3.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.