How should this medicine be used?
Terazosin comes as a tablet and capsule to take by mouth.
It usually is taken once a day at bedtime. 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.
Terazosin controls high blood pressure and the symptoms of
benign prostatic hyperplasia but does not cure them. Continue
to take terazosin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking
terazosin without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking terazosin,
* tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to
terazosin, doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), or any
other drugs.
* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription medications you are taking, especially beta
blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol),
labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor),
nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal), sotalol (Betapace),
and timolol (Blocadren); clonidine (Catapres); indomethacin (Indocin);
verapamil (Calan); and vitamins.
* tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
* tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become
pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while
taking terazosin, call your doctor.
* if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell
the doctor or dentist that you are taking terazosin.
* you should know that this drug may make your drowsy or
dizzy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery for 12-24 hours
after the first time you take terazosin or after your dose is
increased.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Your doctor may prescribe a low-salt or low-sodium diet.
Follow these directions carefully.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose
and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a
double dose to make up for a missed one. Check with your
doctor if you have missed two or more doses.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from terazosin are not common, they
can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are
severe or do not go away:
* dizziness
* headache
* tiredness
* blurred vision
* decreased sexual ability
* nervousness
* increased urination
* upset stomach
* vomiting
* diarrhea
* constipation
* gas
* muscle weakness or pain
* ringing in ears
* dry mouth
* stuffy nose
* difficulty sleeping
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call
your doctor immediately:
* difficulty breathing
* fast heartbeat
* irregular heartbeat
* chest pain
* skin rash
* swollen ankles or feet
* fainting
* painful erection of the penis that lasts for hours
