From the Guidelines
Terazosin is a medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlarged prostate gland, with a typical dose ranging from 1-10 mg once daily, also typically taken at bedtime 1.
Key Points
- Terazosin belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-blockers, which work by relaxing blood vessels and the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck.
- For hypertension, terazosin typically starts at a low dose of 1 mg at bedtime, gradually increasing to 5-10 mg daily as needed.
- The medication may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, especially when first starting treatment or when standing up quickly, due to its blood pressure-lowering effects.
- Patients should avoid driving or performing hazardous activities until they know how terazosin affects them.
- It's essential to take terazosin regularly to maintain its effectiveness, and patients should not stop taking it without consulting their healthcare provider, as sudden discontinuation can cause blood pressure to rise.
Dosage and Administration
- The usual dose of terazosin for BPH ranges from 1-10 mg once daily, taken at bedtime 1.
- The dose may be adjusted based on the patient's response to the medication and their individual needs.
Side Effects and Precautions
- Terazosin may cause orthostatic hypotension, especially in older adults, and patients should be cautious when standing up quickly or changing positions 1.
- Other potential side effects include dizziness, lightheadedness, and ejaculatory problems.
Clinical Considerations
- Terazosin may be used in combination with other medications to treat hypertension and BPH, but patients should be closely monitored for potential interactions and side effects.
- Patients with a history of heart failure or other cardiovascular conditions should be carefully evaluated before starting terazosin, as it may exacerbate these conditions.
From the FDA Drug Label
Terazosin Capsules are used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Terazosin Capsules are also used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. Terazosin hydrochloride, an alpha-1-selective adrenoceptor blocking agent, is a quinazoline derivative
Terazosin (Hytrin) is an alpha-1-selective adrenoceptor blocking agent used to treat two main conditions:
From the Research
What is Terazosin (Hytrin)?
Terazosin, also known by its brand name Hytrin, is a medication that belongs to the class of alpha-1 blockers. It is used to treat two main conditions:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is a condition characterized by an enlarged prostate gland that can cause urinary symptoms
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of action of terazosin involves blocking the alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, which are found in the smooth muscle of the prostate gland, prostate urethra, bladder base, and neck. By blocking these receptors, terazosin helps to relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate and reducing the symptoms of BPH 3, 4, 5.
Efficacy and Safety
Studies have shown that terazosin is effective in reducing the symptoms of BPH, including improving urinary flow rates and reducing the severity of urinary symptoms 3, 4, 6. It is also safe to use in patients with hypertension, and can even help to lower blood pressure in some cases 3, 4, 7. The safety and efficacy of terazosin have been demonstrated in various studies, including a 12-week dose-escalation study that showed significant improvements in BPH symptoms and blood pressure control 3.
Key Benefits
Some of the key benefits of terazosin include:
- Improvement in urinary symptoms, such as frequency, urgency, and weak stream
- Increase in urinary flow rates
- Reduction in blood pressure
- Safe to use in patients with hypertension
- Can be used in combination with other medications for hypertension
Comparison with Other Alpha-1 Blockers
Terazosin has been compared with other alpha-1 blockers, such as prazosin and tamsulosin, in terms of its efficacy and safety. One study found that terazosin was significantly more effective than tamsulosin in improving symptomatic scores, while another study found that terazosin was safe and effective in treating BPH symptoms in patients with hypertension 4, 6.