Terazosin - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Terazosin is a medication to relieve symptoms of a benign prostate enlargement, such as difficulty urinating, a weak urine stream, or frequent urination. In addition, this drug can also be used to control blood pressure in hypertension.

Terazosin is an alpha blocking drug. This drug works by relaxing or relaxing the prostate gland and bladder muscles, so urine flows more smoothly. This drug can dilate blood vessels so that blood flow more smoothly and blood pressure decreases.

Terazosin trademark: Hytrin, Hytroz, Terazosin HCL

What is Terazosin

groupPrescription drugs
Category Alpha blockers (alpha blockers)
BenefitRelieve symptoms of benign prostate enlargement or treat hypertension
Consumed byMature
Terazosin for pregnant and lactating womenCategory C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

It is not known whether Terazosin is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.

Drug formTablet

Precautions Before Taking Terazosin

Terazosin should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Note the following points before taking terazosin:

  • Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. This drug should not be given to patients who are allergic to terazosin and other alpha-blocking drugs, such as alfuzosin.
  • Tell your doctor if you have or have had angina, low blood pressure (hypotension), heart disease, kidney disease, cataracts, glaucoma, or prostate cancer.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
  • Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
  • Tell your doctor that you are taking terazosin if you plan to have surgery, including dental and eye surgery.
  • Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness while you are taking terazosin, as this medicine can cause dizziness.
  • See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking terazosin.

Dosage and Rules for Use of Terazosin

The dose of terazosin given by the doctor can be different for each patient, depending on the condition to be treated and the patient's response to the drug. In general, the following are terazosin dosages for adult patients:

Condition: Benign prostate enlargement or Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

  • Initial dose: 1 mg, 1 time a day taken at bedtime. The dose may be increased weekly depending on the body's response.
  • Maintenance dose: 5–10 mg, once daily.

Condition: Hypertension

  • Initial dose: 1 mg, 1 time a day taken at bedtime. The dose can be increased every week depending on the body's response.
  • Maintenance dose: 2–10 mg, once daily. The maximum dose is 20 mg divided in 1-2 doses.

How to Take Terazosin Correctly

Follow your doctor's advice and read the instructions on the medicine package before taking terazosin. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor.

Take terazosin regularly at the same time every day to maximize the effect of the drug. Terazosin can be taken before or after meals. Do not stop taking terazosin even if your condition improves, except on doctor's advice.

If you forget to take terazosin, take this drug immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. When it is close, ignore and do not double the dose.

One of the side effects that can occur after taking terazosin is dizziness. To reduce the risk of these side effects, you should not rush to stand up after taking the drug if you were previously in a sitting position.

Store terazosin in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

Terazosin Interactions with Other Drugs

Drug interaction effects that can occur when terazosin is used with certain drugs include:

  • Increased risk of side effects when used with diuretics or ACE inhibitor
  • Increased risk of hypotension when used with drugs phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, such as sildenafil, avanafil, tadalavil, or vardenafil
  • Increased blood pressure lowering effect when used with antihypertensive drugs or verapamil

Terazosin Side Effects and Dangers

Side effects that can arise after taking terazosin are:

  • Dizziness or feeling floating
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Nauseous
  • Drowsiness
  • Blurred vision
  • Nasal congestion

Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not improve or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or serious side effects, such as:

  • Irregular, fast heartbeat, or palpitations
  • Swelling in the hands or feet
  • Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
  • Faint
  • Penile erection is prolonged and painful