Terazosin

About terazosin

Terazosin works in high blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels. This allows blood and oxygen to circulate more freely around the body, lowering blood pressure and reducing the strain on the heart.

Enlargement of the prostate gland can reduce the flow of urine from the bladder and can also lead to other urinary problems. Terazosin helps to treat these symptoms by relaxing muscles around the bladder and the prostate so that urine can be passed more easily.

Before taking terazosin

Before taking terazosin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you feel dizzy or faint when standing up from a sitting or lying position.
• If you have ever fainted after passing urine.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to terazosin or any other medicine.
• If you are taking any other type of medicine including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take terazosin

• Take terazosin exactly as directed by your doctor.
• If you are taking terazosin for the first time, take your very first dose at bedtime. Terazosin can make you faint or feel faint when taken for the first time.
• Try to take terazosin at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you forget to take a dose, leave out the missed dose and take the next dose on time. Do not take two doses at the same time.
• Do not stop taking terazosin without consulting your doctor first.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of terazosin contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Where possible take the container with you, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Terazosin can cause dizziness and drowsiness particularly when you first start taking it. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside terazosin.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking terazosin. This is particularly important if you are having eye surgery whilst taking terazosin.

Can terazosin cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Other effects may include: tiredness, a racing heart beat, feeling or being sick, diarrhoea or constipation, swelling of the lower legs and feet, runny nose, mood changes, weight gain, difficulty breathing, tingling sensation in the fingers or toes, nervousness, reduced interest in sex, back pain, headache, dry mouth, painful erections, wanting to pass water more often, and skin itchiness ar rash.
Important: if you experience swelling of the mouth or face, contact a doctor straight away. Also, if you experience an erection lasting for more than 4 hours, contact your doctor or go to the nearest accident and emergency department straight away.

How to store terazosin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines.Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

Important information about all medicines