What is this medication for?
Terazosin belongs to the family of medications known as alpha blockers. It is used for the treatment of high blood pressure. It relaxes blood vessels, allowing blood to flow through them more easily. It may be used alone or together with other medications for high blood pressure. Terazosin is also used for the treatment of enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH). For BPH, terazosin helps to relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder. This helps to improve urine flow and decrease symptoms of BPH. Terazosin does not slow or stop the progression of enlarged prostate.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult dose of terazosin for high blood pressure starts at 1 mg at bedtime and is slowly increased until the desired blood pressure response is achieved. The usual dose ranges from 1 mg to 5 mg daily up to a maximum of 20 mg per day.
The recommended adult dose of terazosin for treatment of enlarged prostate starts at 1 mg at bedtime, with increases at weekly intervals to 2 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg once daily to achieve the desired improvement of symptoms.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Who should NOT take this medication?
This medication should not to be used by anyone who is allergic to terazosin, quinazolines (e.g., doxazosin, prazosin), or any ingredient of the medication.
