Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: TERAZOSIN - ORAL CAPSULE (teh-RAY-zoh-sin)

BRAND NAME(S): Hytrin

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: Terazosin relaxes and opens blood vessels. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). In males, it is used for symptoms of prostate enlargement such as urinary hesitancy and/or urgency.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time each day. Take the first dose at bedtime to minimize the chances of getting dizzy or fainting. Capsules may be taken with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, constipation, loss of appetite, fatigue, nasal congestion or dry eyes may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: chest pain, swelling of the hands or feet, ringing in the ears. Males - though it is unlikely to occur, if you get a painful, prolonged erection, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these highly unlikely but serious side effects: decreased sexual ability, easy bleeding or bruising, irregular or unusually fast heartbeat. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.