Terazosin Description

Generic Name : TERAZOSIN

Pronunciation : (ter ay' zoe sin)

Trade Name(s) : Hytrin, Olyster, Teraz, Terapress, Teralfa

Why it is prescribed: Terazosin controls high blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily through the body. It also has been used to treat urinating difficulty due to an enlarged prostate gland.

When it is to be taken: Terazosin is usually taken once a day at bedtime. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand. This medication control, but dose not cure, high blood pressure. Therefore, you must take terazosin regularly.

How it should be taken: Terazosin comes in the form of tablets. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.

Special Instruction :
1. Terazosin can cause dizziness, lightheadness, and fainting, especially after the first few doses. Lie down for at least one hour and get up slowly after the first few doses, any increase in your dose, or on resuming therapy after an interruption of more than a few doses.
2. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how terazosin affects you.
3. Do not stop taking terazosin without consulting your doctor.
4. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if you remember a missed dose near the time you are scheduled to take the next one, take only one dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Drowsiness, headache, weakness, palpitations, stuffy nose, blurred vision, decreased sexual ability. These effects usually disappear after the first few weeks of therapy. If they are severe or persist, contact your doctor.
2. Sudden fainting. Warn your family and friends to contact your doctor if you faint at any time other than after the first few doses.
3. Dizziness, nausea. Take terazosin with food.
4. Chest pain, swelling of hands or feet. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. Before you take terazosin, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking.
2. Women who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding should inform their doctors.
3. Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking terazosin.

Storage Conditions : Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.