Terapress-5

Why is Terazosin prescribed?

Terazosin is prescribed to reduce high blood pressure. It may be used alone or in combination with other blood pressure lowering drugs.

Terazosin is also prescribed to relieve the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. BPH is an enlargement of the prostate gland that surrounds the urinary canal. It leads to the following symptoms:

• a weak or interrupted stream when urinating
• a feeling that you cannot empty your bladder completely
• a feeling of delay when you start to urinate
• a need to urinate often, especially at night
• a feeling that you must urinate right away

Terazosin relaxes the tightness of a certain type of muscle in the prostate and at the opening of the bladder. This can reduce the severity of the symptoms.

Most important fact about Terazosin

If you have high blood pressure, you must take Terazosin regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Terazosin; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Terazosin does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

How should you take Terazosin?

You may take Terazosin with or without food. Take your first dose at bedtime. Do not take more than the 1 milligram your doctor has prescribed.

Possible side effects of Terazosin?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Terazosin.

More common side effects may include: Difficult or labored breathing, dizziness, headache, heart palpitations, light-headedness upon standing, nausea, pain in the arms and legs, sleepiness, stuffy nose, swollen wrists and ankles, weakness. If these symptoms persist, tell your doctor. Your dosage of Terazosin may be higher than needed.

Less common or rare side effects may include: anxiety, back pain, blurred vision, bronchitis, conjunctivitis (inflamed eyes), constipation, decreased sex drive, depression, diarrhea, dimmed vision, dry mouth, facial swelling, fainting, fever, flu or cold symptoms (cough, sore throat, runny nose), fluid retention, frequent urination, gas, gout, impotence, inability to hold urine, increased heart rate, indigestion, inflamed sinuses, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, itching, joint pain and inflammation, low blood pressure, muscle aches, nasal inflammation, nervousness, nosebleed, numbness or tingling, painful lasting erection, pain in the abdomen, chest, neck, or shoulder, rash, ringing in the ears, severe allergic reaction, sweating, urinary tract infection, vertigo, vision changes, vomiting, weight gain.

Why should Terazosin not be prescribed?

Do not take Terazosin if you are sensitive to it or have ever had an allergic reaction to it.

Special warnings about Terazosin

When your blood pressure falls in response to Terazosin, you may faint. Other less severe reactions include dizziness, heart palpitations, light-headedness, and drowsiness. You are also likely to feel dizzy or faint whenever you rise from a sitting or lying position; this should disappear as your body becomes accustomed to Terazosin. If your occupation is such that these symptoms might cause serious problems, make sure your doctor knows this from the start; he or she will increase your Terazosin dosage very cautiously.

Regardless of your occupation, avoid driving, climbing, and other hazardous tasks at the following times:

• For 12 hours after your first dose of Terazosin
• With each new dosage increase
• When you re-start Terazosin after any treatment interruption

If you are taking Terazosin for benign prostatic hyperplasia, remember that although Terazosin helps relieve the symptoms of BPH, it does NOT change the size of the prostate, which may continue to grow. You may still need surgery in the future. In addition, it is possible to have BPH and prostate cancer at the same time. If you develop the side effect called priapism - a painful erection that last for hours - call your doctor without delay. The condition can lead to impotence if not treated immediately.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Terazosin

If Terazosin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Terazosin with the following:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers such as Motrin and Naprosyn
• Other blood pressure medications, such as Dyazide, Vasotec, Calan, and Verelan

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Terazosin during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. Terazosin is not recommended during pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the potential risk to the unborn baby. It is not known whether Terazosin appears in breast milk. Because many drugs do appear in breast milk, your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding until your treatment with this drug is finished.

Recommended dosage of Terazosin for Adults

High Blood Pressure: The usual initial dose is 1 milligram at bedtime. Your doctor may slowly increase the dose until your blood pressure has been lowered sufficiently. The usual recommended dosage range is 1 milligram to 5 milligrams taken once a day; however, some people may benefit from doses as high as 20 milligrams per day.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: The starting dose is 1 milligram at bedtime. Your doctor will gradually increase the dose to 10 milligrams, taken once a day, usually for at least 4 to 6 weeks. A few men have needed a dose of 20 milligrams a day. If you stop taking Terazosin for several days or longer, your doctor will re-start your treatment with 1 milligram at bedtime.

Recommended dosage of Terazosin for Children

Safety and effectiveness of Terazosin in children have not been established.