Terazosin is used on its own or together with other medicines to help keep your blood pressure under control. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels.
This medicine is also used to treat symptoms of enlarged prostate gland in men. This enlargement of the prostate gland is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which may cause problems when you pass urine. Terazosin relaxes the muscles in the prostate gland and bladder, which helps improve symptoms such as difficulty in passing urine, slow or interrupted flow of urine, and frequent need to pass urine.
Take Terazosin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
If you are taking this medicine for the first time, you will be advised to take it at bedtime.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Terazosin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have a history of fainting during or after passing urine as Terazosin may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart problem or disease e.g. heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Terazosin to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have an eye operation because of cataracts (cloudiness of the eye lens), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Certain tests (e.g. International Prostate Symptom Score, urine test) may be done during treatment with this medicine for prostate enlargement. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly at the start of and during treatment.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
Terazosin may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
You may experience dizziness or passing out when getting up from a sitting or lying down position, especially if you are taking this medicine for the first time. This is common and should disappear gradually as you get used to Terazosin. It will help if you get up slowly from a sitting or lying position.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, stomach wind, indigestion, dry mouth, weakness, muscle or joint pain, itching, cough, stuffy nose, increased sweating, ringing in the ears, and chest pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- prolonged and painful erection of the penis
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, or hands
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for erectile dysfunction e.g. sildenafil, tadalafil
- other medicines for high blood pressure e.g. captopril, verapamil
- water pills or medicines for water retention
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Terazosin.
Always notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Cut down on your salt intake. This may help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Discuss with your doctor or dietitian about ways to cut down on your salt intake.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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