How does Terazosin work? What will it do for me?

Terazosin is used for the treatment of high blood pressure. It relaxes blood vessels, allowing blood to flow through them more easily. Terazosin is also used for the treatment of enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH). For BPH, terazosin helps to relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder. This helps to improve urine flow and decrease symptoms of BPH. Terazosin does not slow or stop the progression of enlarged prostate. Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you`re unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Terazosin?

The recommended adult dose of terazosin for high blood pressure starts at 1 mg at bedtime and is slowly increased until the desired blood pressure response is achieved. The usual dose ranges from 1 mg to 5 mg daily. The recommended adult dose of terazosin for treatment of enlarged prostate starts at 1 mg at bedtime, with increases at weekly intervals to 2 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg once daily to achieve the desired improvement of symptoms. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as your remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses. Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Terazosin come in?

1 mg Each white, round, flat, bevelled-edged tablet embossed with "74" on one side and "ZA" on the other, contains terazosin 1 mg (as terazosin HCl).

Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, lactose, magnesium stearate, povidone and talc. Alcohol-, gluten-, paraben-, sodium-, sucrose-, sulfite- and tartrazine-free. 2 mg Each orange, round, flat, bevelled-edged tablet embossed with "74" on one side and "ZB" on the other, contains terazosin 2 mg (as terazosin HCl). Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, FD&C yellow No. 6, lactose, magnesium stearate, povidone and talc. Alcohol-, gluten-, paraben-, sodium-, sucrose-, sulfite- and tartrazine-free. 5 mg Each tan, round, flat, bevelled-edged tablet embossed with "74" on one side and"ZC" on the other, contains terazosin 5 mg (as terazosin HCl). Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, iron oxide, lactose, magnesium stearate, povidone and talc. Alcohol-, gluten-, paraben-, sodium-, sucrose-, sulfite- and tartrazine-free. 10 mg Each blue, round, flat, bevelled-edged tablet, with "74" on one side and "ZD" on the other, contains terazosin 10 mg (as terazosin HCl). Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, FD&C Blue No. 2, lactose, magnesium stearate and talc. Alcohol-, gluten-, paraben-, sodium-, sucrose-, sulfite- and tartrazine-free. Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take Terazosin?

This medication should not to be used by anyone who is allergic to terazosin or any of the quinazoline-type medications. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. Your health professional may be able to help you deal with some of the effects. The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medicine; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome.

More common

• headache
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

• back or joint pain
• blurred vision
• drowsiness
• nausea and vomiting
• stuffy nose

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• dizziness

Less common

• chest pain
• dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
• fainting (sudden)
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• pounding heartbeat
• shortness of breath
• swelling of feet or lower legs Rare
• weight gain