|
|
|
Terazosin |
|
|
What is Terazosin and why is it prescribed? Terazosin is prescribed to reduce high blood pressure. Terazosin is also prescribed to relieve the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. BPH is an enlargement of the prostate gland that surrounds the urinary canal. It leads to the following symptoms: a weak or interrupted stream when urinating, a feeling that you cannot empty your bladder completely, a feeling of delay when you start to urinate, a need to urinate often, especially at night, and a feeling that you must urinate right away. Terazosin relaxes the tightness of a certain type of muscle in the prostate and at the opening of the bladder. This can reduce the severity of the symptoms. If you have high blood pressure, you must take Terazosin regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Terazosin. You must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Terazosin does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Terazosin? Follow your doctors directions for taking Terazosin. You may take Terazosin with or without food. Take your first dose at bedtime. Do not take more than the 1 milligram your doctor has prescribed. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time. Store Terazosin at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Protect Terazosin from light. Are there any Terazosin side effects? Terazosin side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Terazosin side effects may include difficult or labored breathing, dizziness, headache, heart palpitations, light-headedness upon standing, nausea, pain in the arms and legs, sleepiness, stuffy nose, swollen wrists and ankles, and weakness. If these symptoms persist, tell your doctor. Your dosage of Terazosin may be higher than needed. Less common or rare Terazosin side effects may include anxiety, back pain, blurred vision, bronchitis, conjunctivitis, constipation, decreased sex drive, depression, diarrhea, dimmed vision, dry mouth, facial swelling, fainting, fever, flu or cold symptoms, fluid retention, frequent urination, gas, gout, impotence, inability to hold urine, increased heart rate, indigestion, inflamed sinuses, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, itching, joint pain and inflammation, low blood pressure, muscle aches, nasal inflammation, nervousness, nosebleed, numbness or tingling, painful lasting erection, pain in the abdomen, chest, neck, or shoulder, rash, ringing in the ears, severe allergic reaction, sweating, urinary tract infection, vertigo, vision changes, vomiting, and weight gain. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Terazosin? If Terazosin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Terazosin with Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers (such as Motrin and Naprosyn) or Other blood pressure medications (such as Dyazide, Vasotec, Calan, and Verelan). Are there any special warnings about Terazosin? When your blood pressure falls in response to Terazosin, you may faint. Other less severe reactions include dizziness, heart palpitations, light-headedness, and drowsiness. You are also likely to feel dizzy or faint whenever you rise from a sitting or lying position; this should disappear as your body becomes accustomed to Terazosin. If your occupation is such that these symptoms might cause serious problems, make sure your doctor knows this from the start; he or she will increase your Terazosin dosage very cautiously. Regardless of your occupation, avoid driving, climbing, and other hazardous tasks at the following times: For 12 hours after your first dose of Terazosin, With each new dosage increase, and When you re-start Terazosin after any treatment interruption. If you are taking Terazosin for benign prostatic hyperplasia, remember that although Terazosin helps relieve the symptoms of BPH, it does not change the size of the prostate, which may continue to grow. You may still need surgery in the future. In addition, it is possible to have BPH and prostate cancer at the same time. If you develop the side effect called priapism call your doctor without delay. The condition can lead to impotence if not treated immediately. |
|
|
Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
|
|
Copyright 2008 MyMedications.net. All rights reserved. |
|
