terazosin (Rx)

Brand and Other Names:Hytrin

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatricGeriatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

capsule

  • 1mg
  • 2mg
  • 5mg
  • 10mg

Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

Initial: 1 mg PO qHS

May gradually increase to 5 mg PO qHS; up to 20 mg/day beneficial for some

Dosing considerations

  • Give first dose and subsequent increases at bedtime to avoid syncope
  • May take with food

Hypertension

Initial: 1 mg PO qHS

Maintenance: 1-5 mg/day or q12hr; may increase to ≤20 mg/day

Dosing considerations

  • Give first dose and subsequent increases at bedtime to avoid syncope
  • May take with food

Dosing Modifications

Hepatic impairment: Use with caution

Dosage Forms & Strengths

capsule

  • 1mg
  • 2mg
  • 5mg
  • 10mg

Hypertension (Off-label)

1 mg/day PO; increase dose gradually as necessary; up to maximum of 20 mg/day

Hypertension

Initial: 0.5 mg PO qHS and titrate to response

Dosing considerations

Avoid use for hypertension; high risk of orthostatic hypotension (Beers criteria)

May cause significant orthostatic hypotension and syncope

Lower initial doses than those used for nongeriatric adults, as well as gradual adjustments, are recommended for hypertension

Give first dose and subsequent increases at bedtime to avoid syncope

Adverse effects such as dry mouth and urinary complications can be bothersome in the elderly

May take with food

Next:

Interactions

Interaction Checker

and terazosin

No Results

     activity indicator 
    No Interactions Found
    Interactions Found

    Contraindicated

      Serious - Use Alternative

        Significant - Monitor Closely

          Minor

            All Interactions Sort By:
             activity indicator 

            Contraindicated (0)

              Serious - Use Alternative (5)

              • lofexidine

                lofexidine, terazosin. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid coadministration with other drugs that decrease pulse or blood pressure to mitigate risk of excessive bradycardia and hypotension.

              • sildenafil

                sildenafil increases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic synergism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of hypotension; separate sildenafil >25mg from alpha blocker by 4hr.

              • tamsulosin

                terazosin, tamsulosin. Either increases effects of the other by additive vasodilation. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of hypotension.

              • vardenafil

                vardenafil increases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Risk of hypotension.

              • yohimbe

                yohimbe increases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated.

              Monitor Closely (92)

              • acebutolol

                terazosin and acebutolol both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Additive hypotensive effects may occur when terazosin is used in combination with acebutolol.

              • aceclofenac

                aceclofenac decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • acemetacin

                acemetacin decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • aldesleukin

                aldesleukin increases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Risk of hypotension.

              • alfuzosin

                alfuzosin and terazosin both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • amifostine

                amifostine, terazosin. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration with blood pressure lowering agents may increase the risk and severity of hypotension associated with amifostine. When amifostine is used at chemotherapeutic doses, withhold blood pressure lowering medications for 24 hr prior to amifostine; if blood pressure lowering medication cannot be withheld, do not administer amifostine.

              • amlodipine

                terazosin and amlodipine both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • asenapine

                asenapine and terazosin both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • aspirin

                aspirin decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • aspirin rectal

                aspirin rectal decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • aspirin/citric acid/sodium bicarbonate

                aspirin/citric acid/sodium bicarbonate decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • atenolol

                terazosin and atenolol both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.

              • avanafil

                avanafil increases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Risk of hypotension.

              • benazepril

                benazepril, terazosin. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Exaggerated first dose hypotensive response.

              • betaxolol

                terazosin and betaxolol both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.

              • bisoprolol

                terazosin and bisoprolol both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.

              • bretylium

                terazosin, bretylium. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Each drug may cause hypotension.

              • captopril

                captopril, terazosin. Either increases effects of the other by Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Exaggerated first dose hypotensive response. Both drugs lower blood pressure. Monitor blood pressure.

              • carbidopa

                carbidopa increases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Therapy with carbidopa, given with or without levodopa or carbidopa-levodopa combination products, is started, dosage adjustment of the antihypertensive drug may be required.

              • carvedilol

                terazosin and carvedilol both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.

              • celecoxib

                celecoxib decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • celiprolol

                terazosin and celiprolol both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.

              • choline magnesium trisalicylate

                choline magnesium trisalicylate decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • clevidipine

                terazosin and clevidipine both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • diclofenac

                diclofenac decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • diflunisal

                diflunisal decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • diltiazem

                terazosin and diltiazem both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • doxazosin

                doxazosin and terazosin both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • enalapril

                enalapril, terazosin. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Exaggerated first dose hypotensive response.

              • esmolol

                terazosin and esmolol both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Additive hypotensive effects may occur when terazosin is used in combination with esmolol.

              • etodolac

                etodolac decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • felodipine

                terazosin and felodipine both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • fenoprofen

                fenoprofen decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • flurbiprofen

                flurbiprofen decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • fosinopril

                fosinopril, terazosin. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Exaggerated first dose hypotensive response.

              • ibuprofen

                ibuprofen decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • ibuprofen IV

                ibuprofen IV decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • iloperidone

                iloperidone increases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • imidapril

                imidapril, terazosin. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Exaggerated first dose hypotensive response.

              • indomethacin

                indomethacin decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • isradipine

                terazosin and isradipine both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • ketoprofen

                ketoprofen decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • ketorolac

                ketorolac decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • ketorolac intranasal

                ketorolac intranasal decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • labetalol

                terazosin and labetalol both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.

              • levodopa

                levodopa increases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Consider decreasing dosage of antihypertensive agent.

              • lisinopril

                lisinopril, terazosin. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Exaggerated first dose hypotensive response.

              • lornoxicam

                lornoxicam decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • lurasidone

                lurasidone increases effects of terazosin by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Potential for increased risk of hypotension with concurrent use. Monitor blood pressure and adjust dose of antihypertensive agent as needed.

              • maraviroc

                maraviroc, terazosin. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Increased risk of orthostatic hypotension.

              • meclofenamate

                meclofenamate decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • mefenamic acid

                mefenamic acid decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • meloxicam

                meloxicam decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • methylphenidate

                methylphenidate will decrease the level or effect of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Methylphenidate may diminish antihypertensive effects. Monitor BP.

              • metoprolol

                terazosin and metoprolol both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.

              • moexipril

                moexipril, terazosin. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Exaggerated first dose hypotensive response.

              • moxisylyte

                moxisylyte and terazosin both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • nabumetone

                nabumetone decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • nadolol

                terazosin and nadolol both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.

              • naproxen

                naproxen decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • nebivolol

                terazosin and nebivolol both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.

              • nicardipine

                terazosin and nicardipine both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • nifedipine

                terazosin and nifedipine both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • nisoldipine

                terazosin and nisoldipine both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • nitroglycerin rectal

                nitroglycerin rectal, terazosin. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Observe for possible additive hypotensive effects during concomitant use. .

              • oxaprozin

                oxaprozin decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • oxymetazoline topical

                oxymetazoline topical increases and terazosin decreases sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • parecoxib

                parecoxib decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • penbutolol

                terazosin and penbutolol both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.

              • perindopril

                perindopril, terazosin. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Exaggerated first dose hypotensive response.

              • phenoxybenzamine

                phenoxybenzamine and terazosin both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • phentolamine

                phentolamine and terazosin both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • pindolol

                terazosin and pindolol both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.

              • piroxicam

                piroxicam decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • prazosin

                prazosin and terazosin both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • propranolol

                terazosin and propranolol both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Additive hypotensive effects may occur when terazosin is used in combination with propranolol.

              • pseudoephedrine

                pseudoephedrine decreases effects of terazosin by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • quinapril

                quinapril, terazosin. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Exaggerated first dose hypotensive response.

              • ramipril

                ramipril, terazosin. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Exaggerated first dose hypotensive response.

              • salicylates (non-asa)

                salicylates (non-asa) decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • salsalate

                salsalate decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • silodosin

                silodosin and terazosin both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • sotalol

                terazosin and sotalol both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Additive hypotensive effects may occur when terazosin is used in combination with sotalol.

              • sulfasalazine

                sulfasalazine decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • sulindac

                sulindac decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • tadalafil

                tadalafil increases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Risk of hypotension.

              • timolol

                terazosin and timolol both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.

              • tolfenamic acid

                tolfenamic acid decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • tolmetin

                tolmetin decreases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

              • trandolapril

                trandolapril, terazosin. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Exaggerated first dose hypotensive response.

              • verapamil

                terazosin and verapamil both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • zotepine

                terazosin and zotepine both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking. Use Caution/Monitor.

              Minor (7)

              • brimonidine

                brimonidine increases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • butcher's broom

                terazosin, butcher's broom. Either decreases effects of the other by Mechanism: pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • ethanol

                terazosin, ethanol. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Risk of hypotension, esp. in Asian pts.

              • phenylephrine

                terazosin, phenylephrine. Either decreases effects of the other by Mechanism: pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • phenylephrine PO

                terazosin, phenylephrine PO. Either decreases effects of the other by Mechanism: pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • tizanidine

                tizanidine increases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Risk of hypotension.

              • treprostinil

                treprostinil increases effects of terazosin by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              Previous
              Next:

              Adverse Effects

              >10%

              Dizziness (10-20%)

              Asthenia (2-13%)

              1-10%

              Hypotension (3-7%)

              Rhinitis/nasal congestion (2-6%)

              Lightheadedness (3-5%)

              Somnolence (3-5%)

              Palpitation (4%)

              Nausea (2-4%)

              Edema (3%)

              Sinusitis (3%)

              Dyspnea (2-3%)

              Fatigue (2.5%)

              Headache (2.5%)

              Back pain (2.4%)

              Flulike syndrome (2.4%)

              Tachycardia (2%)

              Amblyopia (1-2%)

              Blurred vision (1-2%)

              Impotence (1-2%)

              Syncope (1%)

              Previous
              Next:

              Warnings

              Contraindications

              Hypersensitivity to terazosin, other quinazolines

              Cautions

              Carcinoma of the prostate and BPH cause many of the same symptoms; these two diseases frequently co-exist; patients thought to have BPH should be examined prior to starting therapy to rule out presence of carcinoma of the prostate

              Therapy can cause marked lowering of blood pressure, especially postural hypotension, and syncope in association with first dose or first few days of therapy; a similar effect can be anticipated if therapy is interrupted for several days and then restarted; to decrease likelihood of syncope or excessive hypotension, treatment should always be initiated at a low dose (1 mg) and increased slowly; additional antihypertensive agents should be added with caution; patient should be cautioned to avoid situations, such as driving or hazardous tasks, where injury could result should syncope occur during initiation of therapy

              If syncope occurs, the patient should be placed in a recumbent position and treated supportively as necessary; there is evidence that orthostatic effect is greater, even in chronic use, shortly after dosing; the risk of the events is greatest during initial seven days of treatment, but continues at all time intervals

              While syncope is the most severe orthostatic effect, other symptoms of lowered blood pressure, such as dizziness, lightheadedness and palpitations, are more common; patients with occupations in which such events represent potential problems should be treated with particular caution

              May cause CNS depression, which may impair physical or mental abilities; use caution when performing tasks that may require mental alertness, including driving or operating heavy machinery

              May exacerbate heart failure

              Concomitant administration with PDE-5 inhibitor (eg, sildenafil) can result in additive blood pressure-lowering effects and symptomatic hypotension; initiate PDE-5 inhibitor therapy at lowest dose

              Risk of priapism (rare); because this condition can lead to permanent impotence if not promptly treated, patients must be advised about seriousness of the condition

              Previous
              Next:

              Pregnancy & Lactation

              Pregnancy category: C

              Lactation: Not known if excreted into breast milk; use caution

              Pregnancy Categories

              A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

              B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

              C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

              D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

              X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

              NA: Information not available.

              Previous
              Next:

              Pharmacology

              Mechanism of Action

              Blocks postsynaptic alpha-1 receptor; alpha blockade causes arterial and venous dilation

              Selective agents cause less tachycardia than do nonselective agents

              Absorption

              Bioavailability: 90%

              Onset (hypertension): 3 hr

              Onset (benign prostate hyperplasia): 2 weeks

              Duration: 24 hr

              Peak response (benign prostate hyperplasia): 4-6 weeks

              Peak plasma time: 1 hr

              Distribution

              Protein bound: 90-94%

              Vd: 25-30 L

              Metabolism

              Metabolized extensively via hydrolysis, O-demethylation, and N-dealkylation in liver

              Metabolites: 6- and 7-O-demethyl terazosin, piperazine derivative, diamine metabolite

              Elimination

              Half-life: 9-12 hr

              Renal clearance: 9-12.5 mL/min

              Excretion: Feces (55-60%); urine (40%)

              Previous
              Next:

              Images

              BRAND FORM. UNIT PRICE PILL IMAGE
              terazosin oral
              -
              5 mg capsule
              terazosin oral
              -
              1 mg capsule
              terazosin oral
              -
              2 mg capsule
              terazosin oral
              -
              10 mg capsule
              terazosin oral
              -
              5 mg capsule
              terazosin oral
              -
              1 mg capsule
              terazosin oral
              -
              10 mg capsule
              terazosin oral
              -
              10 mg capsule
              terazosin oral
              -
              5 mg capsule
              terazosin oral
              -
              2 mg capsule
              terazosin oral
              -
              10 mg capsule
              terazosin oral
              -
              2 mg capsule
              terazosin oral
              -
              1 mg capsule
              terazosin oral
              -
              2 mg capsule
              terazosin oral
              -
              10 mg capsule
              terazosin oral
              -
              5 mg capsule
              terazosin oral
              -
              1 mg capsule

              Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.

              Previous
              Next:

              Patient Handout

              Patient Education
              terazosin oral

              TERAZOSIN - ORAL

              (ter-AY-zoe-sin)

              COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Hytrin

              USES: Terazosin is used alone or with other drugs to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This medication works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.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 works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and part of the bladder. This helps to relieve symptoms of BPH such as difficulty in beginning the flow of urine, weak stream, and the need to urinate often or urgently (including during the middle of the night).Terazosin belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha blockers.

              HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking terazosin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.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. Terazosin may cause a sudden drop in your blood pressure, which could lead to dizziness or fainting. This risk is higher when taking your first dose. To avoid injury related to dizziness or fainting, take your first dose of terazosin at bedtime.Your doctor will start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Any time your dose is increased or if you restart treatment after you have stopped it, take your first dose at bedtime unless otherwise directed to lessen the risk of injury related to dizziness or fainting. Also during these times, avoid situations where you may be injured if you faint.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. If you miss taking terazosin for a few days, you may need to restart treatment at the low dose and gradually increase your dose again. Consult your doctor for more details.If you are taking this medication for high blood pressure, keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Tell your doctor if your blood pressure readings remain high or increase.If you are taking this drug for an enlarged prostate, it may take 2 to 4 weeks to see an improvement in your symptoms, and up to 6 weeks before you see the full benefit of this drug. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

              SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness, nausea, drowsiness, blurred vision, headache, or stuffy nose may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, burning/tingling in the hands/feet, sexual function problems, swelling of the ankles/hands/feet, unexpected weight gain.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, or permanent problems could occur.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 (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

              PRECAUTIONS: Before taking terazosin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other alpha blockers such as doxazosin or prazosin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: low blood pressure/fainting, certain eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma).This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. You should avoid driving or hazardous tasks for 12 hours after the first dose, after your dose is increased, and when this medication is restarted after it has been stopped. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).Before having surgery (including cataract/glaucoma eye surgery), tell your doctor or dentist if you are taking or have ever taken this medication, and about all the other products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness, fainting, and low blood pressure when getting up from a sitting or lying position. These side effects can increase the risk of falling.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

              DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug include: other alpha blocker drugs (such as prazosin, tamsulosin).If you are also taking a drug to treat erectile dysfunction-ED or pulmonary hypertension (such as sildenafil, tadalafil), your blood pressure may get too low which can lead to dizziness or fainting. Your doctor may need to adjust your medications to minimize this risk.Some products have ingredients that could raise your blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).

              OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, fainting.

              NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.If you have high blood pressure, lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, stopping smoking, and eating a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet. Consult your doctor for more details.Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure at home, and share the results with your doctor.Lab and/or medical tests (such as prostate exams, blood pressure) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

              MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up. See also How to Use section.

              STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

              Information last revised August 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.

              IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

              Previous
              Next:

              Formulary

              FormularyPatient Discounts

              Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.

              To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.

              Adding plans allows you to:

              • View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
              • Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
              • Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
              • Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.

              The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information.

              Tier Description
              1 This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.
              2 This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs.
              3 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs.
              4 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
              5 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
              6 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
              NC NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan.
              Code Definition
              PA Prior Authorization
              Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription.
              QL Quantity Limits
              Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered.
              ST Step Therapy
              Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription.
              OR Other Restrictions
              Drugs that have restrictions other than prior authorization, quantity limits, and step therapy associated with each prescription.
              Additional Offers
              Email to Patient

              From:

              To:

              The recipient will receive more details and instructions to access this offer.

              By clicking send, you acknowledge that you have permission to email the recipient with this information.

              Email Forms to Patient

              From:

              To:

              The recipient will receive more details and instructions to access this offer.

              By clicking send, you acknowledge that you have permission to email the recipient with this information.

              Previous
              Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.