Terazosin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What drug terazosin?

What is terazosin for?

Terazosin is a drug that is used alone or with other drugs to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure can help prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This medication works by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily.

Terazosin is also used in men to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia-BPH). This drug does not shrink the prostate, but works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and part of the bladder. This condition helps to relieve BPH symptoms such as difficulty passing urine, weak urine flow, and the need to urinate frequently or urgently (including during the middle of the night).

Terazosin belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha blockers.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this product which are not listed on the label approved by an expert but may be prescribed by your healthcare professional. Use this product for a condition that is listed in this section if only it has been prescribed by your healthcare professional.

Terazosin can also be used to facilitate urination or to get rid of kidney stones through the urination process. This medication has also been used to help with bladder problems in women.

How is terazosin used?

Read the patient information or leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using terazosin and each time you get a refill. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily at bedtime.

If you are using this medication for the first time, do not take more than 1 milligram to start. Terazosin can cause a sudden drop in your blood pressure, which can cause dizziness or fainting. This risk is higher when using your first dose. Therefore, to avoid injury related to dizziness or fainting, take your first dose of terazosin at bedtime.

Your doctor will start you on a low dose of this drug and gradually increase your dose. Whenever the dose is increased or if you repeat treatment after you stop, take your first dose at bedtime unless otherwise advised by your doctor to reduce the risk of injury related to dizziness or fainting. During this treatment, avoid situations where you might get hurt if you pass out.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this remedy regularly to get its benefits. To help you remember, use it at the same time every day. If you miss using terazosin for a few days, you may need to repeat the treatment at a lower dose and gradually increase your dose again. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you are taking this medicine for high blood pressure it is important to continue taking this medicine even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure don't feel sick. Tell your doctor if your blood pressure remains high or increases.

If you are taking this medication to relieve an enlarged prostate, it may take 2 to 4 weeks for your symptoms to improve, and up to 6 weeks before you feel the full benefit of this medicine. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How is terazosin stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Terazosin dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of terazosin for adults?

Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: 1 mg orally once a day at bedtime

Maintenance dose: 1-5 mg orally once a day.

Maximum dose: 20 mg per day.

Adult Dose for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia:

Initial dose: 1 mg orally once a day at bedtime.

Maintenance dose: Gradual increase to 2 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg once daily to achieve the desired symptom improvement.

What is the dose of terazosin for children?

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients (less than 18 years).

In what dosage is terazosin available?

1 mg tablet; 2 mg; 5 mg; 10 mg

Terazosin side effects

What side effects can terazosin experience?

If any of the following side effects occur while using terazosin, check with your doctor or nurse as soon as possible:

Common:

• Dizzy

Less common:

• chest pain
• lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
• passed out (suddenly)
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• pounding heartbeat
• hard to breathe
• swelling of the leg or lower leg
• rare
• weight gain

Some of the side effects of terazosin may not require medical attention. As your body gets used to this drug, the side effects may go away. Your doctor may be able to help you prevent or reduce these side effects, but check with them if any of the following side effects persist, or if you are concerned about these side effects:

It's common

• headache
• unusual fatigue or weakness

Less common:

• back pain or joint pain
• blurred vision
• drowsiness
• nausea and vomiting
• nasal congestion

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Terazosin Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using terazosin?

In deciding to use a drug, the risks of using the drug must be weighed against its benefits. It is up to you and your doctor. For this drug, the following should be considered:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package of ingredients carefully.

Children

Studies on this drug have been conducted only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing the use of terazosin in children with those used in other age groups.

Elderly

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting (especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position) is more likely in the elderly, who are more sensitive to the effects of terazosin.

Is terazosin safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Terazosin Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with terazosin?

Although certain drugs should not be used simultaneously, in other cases two different drugs can be used together even if interactions are possible. In this case, your doctor may want to change the dose, or take other precautions that may be needed. Tell your health care professional if you are taking prescription drugs or other drugs on the market.

Using this medication with any of the following medicines is not usually recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or change how often you use one or both drugs.

• Tadalafil

Using this medication with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or change how often you use one or both drugs.

• Acebutolol
• Alprenolol
• Atenolol
• Betaxolol
• Bevantolol
• Bisoprolol
• Bucindolol
• Carteolol
• Carvedilol
• Celiprolol
• Dilevalol
• Esmolol
• Labetalol
• Levobunolol
• Mepindolol
• Metipranolol
• Metoprolol
• Nadolol
• Nebivolol
• Oxprenolol
• Penbutolol
• Pindolol
• Propranolol
• Sildenafil
• Sotalol
• Talinolol
• Tertatolol
• Timolol
• Vardenafil

Can food or alcohol interact with terazosin?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with terazosin?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• angina (chest pain) - Terazosin can make this condition worse
• heart disease (severe) - Terazosin can make this condition worse
• kidney disease - possible increased sensitivity to the effects of terazosin

Terazosin overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Overdose symptoms may include:

• dizzy
• head light
• passed out

blurred vision

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.