General Information and Indications:
Terazosin is used to treat the symptoms
of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), which include
difficulty in urination (hesitation, dribbling, weak stream, and incomplete
bladder emptying), painful urination, and urinary frequency and urgency. It
also is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high
blood pressure. Terazosin is in a class of medications called
alpha-blockers. It relieves the symptoms of BPH by relaxing the muscles of
the bladder and prostate. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood
vessels so that blood can flow more easily through the body.
Information For Users:
Terazosin comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is
usually taken with or without food once a day at bedtime or twice a day.
Follow the directions on your prescription label, ask your doctor or
pharmacist If you have any questions. Take terazosin exactly as directed. Do
not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your
health care provider.
Your doctor will start you on a low dose of terazosin and slowly increase
your dose. If you stop taking terazosin for a few days or longer, your
doctor will have to start you again on the lowest dose and slowly increase
your dose.
Terazosin controls high blood pressure and the symptoms of BPH but does not
cure them. It may take 4 to 6 weeks or longer before you feel the full
benefit of terazosin for BPH. Continue taking terazosin even if you feel
well. Do not discontinue taking terazosin without informing your doctor.
Special
precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to terazosin or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are
taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: other medications for high
blood pressure, especially verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan). Your
doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you
carefully for side effects.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking terazosin, call your
doctor.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or
dentist that you are taking terazosin.
o you should know that terazosin may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive
a car or operate machinery for 12 hours after the first time you take
terazosin or after your dose is increased.
o you should know that terazosin may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and
fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. This is more
common when you first start taking terazosin and when your dose is
increased. To avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet
on the floor for a few minutes before standing up. If you experience these
symptoms, sit or lie down.
Your doctor may prescribe a low-salt or low-sodium diet. Follow these
directions carefully.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Terazosin may cause adverse effects. Inform
your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:
o dizziness
o lightheadedness
o weakness
o tiredness
o drowsiness
o stuffy nose
o back pain
o upset stomach
o decreased sexual ability (Impotence)
o blurred vision (Impaired vision)
o swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
o pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
Some adverse effects could be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon,
but if you experience any of them, call your doctor without delay:
o rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
o fainting
o painful erection of the penis that lasts for hours
Possible Symptoms
of Overdose:
o dizziness
o lightheadedness
o fainting
Brand Name(s):
o Hytrin® |
