Terazosin
Generic Name: Terazosin
Uses & Medical Indications
Treatment of hypertension and BPH
Hypertension, Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Work Mechanism & Pharmacology
Patient Overview of Work Mechanism
Terazosin relaxes tight blood vessels and supports regular cardiac pumping, keeping blood pressure within a healthy range and protecting heart health.
Clinical Mechanism of Action (MoA)
Terazosin lowers elevated blood pressure and relieves myocardial workload by inducing systemic vasodilation, antagonizing adrenergic sympathetic tone, or inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis.
Dosage & Administration Guidelines
1 mg at bedtime initially, titrate up
Not established
Start low, titrate slowly
20 mg per day for hypertension; 10 mg for BPH
No adjustment required
Use with caution
Side Effects & Safety Warnings
Dizziness, asthenia, nasal congestion, somnolence
First-dose syncope, priapism
Hypersensitivity to terazosin or quinazolines
Risk of syncope and postural hypotension
Interactions (Drugs, Food & Alcohol)
Other antihypertensives, PDE5 inhibitors
N/A
May worsen orthostatic hypotension
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety
Use only if clearly needed
Unknown if excreted in milk, use caution
Patient Counseling & Practical Advice
Take first dose at bedtime to avoid syncope. Rise slowly.
If missed for several days, restart at 1 mg dose
Blood pressure, urinary symptoms
Related Medicines in Alpha-1 Blockers
When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention
Seek immediate emergency medical care (call emergency services or proceed to the nearest emergency department) if you experience signs of a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis: facial, lip, tongue, or throat swelling causing airway obstruction), severe cutaneous blistering with skin peeling, sudden intense chest pain, or symptoms of overdose.
Content for Terazosin was synthesized from standardized public health monographs, official pharmacopoeias, and health authorities:
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) — National List of Essential Medicines
- World Health Organization (WHO) — Model List of Essential Medicines
- Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) — Indian Pharmacopoeia Drug Monographs
- National Health Service (NHS) — Medicines A to Z Clinical Guidelines
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.