terazosin – oral, Hytrin
Medication Uses: Terazosin is used alone or with other drugs to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). This medication works by relaxing blood vessels to improve blood flow. Terazosin is also used in men to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia-BPH). It does not shrink the prostate, but it helps relieve symptoms such as difficulty urinating. Terazosin belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha blockers.
How To Use: Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily at bedtime. If you are taking this drug for the first time, do not take more than 1 milligram to start. Your doctor will start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase it. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. If you miss taking terazosin for a few days, you may need to restart treatment at a low dose. Consult your doctor for more details.
Side Effects: Dizziness, tiredness, blurred vision, headache, or stuffy nose may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, sexual function problems, swelling of the ankles/hands/feet. Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. If this occurs, stop using this drug and get medical help right away. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects.
Precautions: Before taking terazosin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it, or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of low blood pressure. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. If you are also taking a drug to treat erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension, your blood pressure may get too low. Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure. If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Notes: Do not share this medication with others. If you have high blood pressure, make lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better. Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. Laboratory and/or medical tests should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
Report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment 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 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.
