Why is this medication prescribed? Terazosin is used in men to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), which include difficulty urinating (hesitation, dribbling, weak stream, and incomplete bladder emptying), painful urination, and urinary frequency and urgency.It also is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure.Terazosin is in a cla*s of medications called alpha-blockers.It relieves the symptoms of BPH by relaxing the muscles of the bladder and prostate.It lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily through the body.
How should this medication be used?
Terazosin comes as a capsule to take by mouth.It is usually taken with or without food once a day at bedtime or twice a day.Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.Take terazosin exactly as directed.Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor will start you on a low dose of terazosin and gradually increase your dose.If you stop taking terazosin for a few days or longer, call your doctor.Your doctor usually will start you again on the lowest dose of terazosin and gradually increase your dose.
Terazosin controls high blood pressure and the symptoms of BPH but does not cure them.It may take 4 to 6 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of terazosin for BPH.Continue to take terazosin even if you feel well.Do not stop taking terazosin without talking to your doctor.
Are there other uses for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Other names
HytrinВ
