Terazosin

DEA Class;  Rx

Common Brand Names; Hytrin

Hypersensitivity to terazosin, other quinazolines

• Dizziness (10-20%)
• Asthenia (2-13%)
• Hypotension (3-7%)
• Rhinitis/nasal congestion (2-6%)
• Lightheadedness (3-5%)
• Somnolence (3-5%)
• Palpitation (4%)
• Nausea (2-4%)
• Edema (3%)
• Sinusitis (3%)
• Dyspnea (2-3%)
• Fatigue (2.5%)
• Headache (2.5%)
• Back pain (2.4%)
• Flulike syndrome (2.4%)
• Tachycardia (2%)
• Amblyopia (1-2%)
• Blurred vision (1-2%)
• Impotence (1-2%)
• Syncope (1%)

Carcinoma of the prostate and BPH cause many of the same symptoms; these two diseases frequently co-exist; patients thought to have BPH should be examined prior to starting therapy to rule out presence of carcinoma of the prostate

Therapy can cause marked lowering of blood pressure, especially postural hypotension, and syncope in association with first dose or first few days of therapy; a similar effect can be anticipated if therapy is interrupted for several days and then restarted; to decrease likelihood of syncope or excessive hypotension, treatment should always be initiated at a low dose (1 mg) and increased slowly; additional antihypertensive agents should be added with caution; patient should be cautioned to avoid situations, such as driving or hazardous tasks, where injury could result should syncope occur during initiation of therapy

If syncope occurs, the patient should be placed in a recumbent position and treated supportively as necessary; there is evidence that orthostatic effect is greater, even in chronic use, shortly after dosing; the risk of the events is greatest during initial seven days of treatment, but continues at all time intervals

Pregnancy category: C

Lactation: Not known if excreted into breast milk; use caution

Terazosin hydrochloride