What is Terazosin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Terazosin overview

BRAND NAMES:

Generic Names:

  • Terazosin Hcl

Uses:

  • Treats high blood pressure and enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Agent, Cardiovascular Agent, Antihypertensive

Forms:

  • Liquid Filled Capsule, Tablet, Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Terazosin used for?

Terazosin is a medication used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (or “prostate enlargement”). Terazosin belongs to a group of medications called alpha 1 blockers. Terazosin is a generic medication also sold under the brand name Hytrin. Terazosin has been available for many years. In the treatment of prostate enlargement, terazosin use is common.

What form(s) does Terazosin come in

  • Liquid Filled Capsule

  • Tablet

  • Capsule

What are common Terazosin doses?

  • Capsule 1MG

  • Capsule 2MG

  • Capsule 5MG

  • Capsule 10MG

Common Terazosin prescriptions

  • Terazosin HCl
    10mg capsule

  • Terazosin HCl
    1mg capsule

  • Terazosin HCl
    2mg capsule

  • Terazosin HCl
    5mg capsule

How to take Terazosin

  • Take this medicine at bedtime unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.

  • Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • Take this medicine at bedtime unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

What to do if you miss a dose of Terazosin

  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

  • If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Terazosin contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to terazosin.

Terazosin warnings

  • Prolonged or painful erection

  • Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor. If you have not taken the medicine for several days, you will need to use a lower dose when you start taking it again.

  • Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

  • Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

  • If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet, rapid weight gain

Terazosin interactions

  • Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor. If you have not taken the medicine for several days, you will need to use a lower dose when you start taking it again.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using verapamil (Calan®, Covera®), diuretics or "water pills" (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, Aldactazide®, Aldactone®, Dyazide®, Hyzaar®, Lasix®, Lotrel®, Maxzide®, Moduretic®, Norvasc®, Zestoretic®), or any other blood pressure medicine (such as atenolol, metoprolol, Accupril®, Altace®, Cardizem®, Cardura®, Lotensin®, Lotrel®, Monopril®, Plendil®, Prinivil®, Tiazac®, Toprol®, Vasotec®, Zestril®).

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

  • Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Terazosin side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Prolonged or painful erection

  • Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

  • Lightheadedness or fainting

  • Fever, chills, sore throat

  • Fast or pounding heartbeat

  • Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet, rapid weight gain

  • Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face, lips, or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Blurred vision

  • Problems with sex

  • Runny or stuffy nose

  • Muscle or joint pain

  • Tiredness

  • Nausea

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