Terazosin, brand name Hytrin, is a prescription drug classified as an alpha-1 blocker. It is used to treat the symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH, which include difficulty urinating, painful urination, increased frequency and incomplete bladder emptying. Terazosin is also used alone or in combination with other medications for the treatment of mild to moderate high blood pressure. The drug can produce many side effects.
Orthostatic Hypotension and Syncope
Orthostatic hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure that presents when the patient stands up, and may occur in about 4 percent of individuals. The patient may manifest this side effect as severe dizziness and syncope, or fainting. Terazosin may cause significant orthostatic hypotension and syncope with the first dose, according to "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach." To avoid these side effects, the patient should be started on a low dose and gradually increased to a full therapeutic dose over several weeks. Orthostatic hypotension may be worse if the patient is taking other antihypertensive medications.
Headache and Dizziness
Headaches may occur in up to 10 percent of users, and dizziness may occur in more than 10 percent of users. These side effects begin to decrease within a few weeks of taking the drug. A pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or aspirin, may help with headaches. Driving or operating heavy machinery may be dangerous while experiencing dizziness; the patient should wait until he knows how the medication affects his concentration and function.
Drowsiness and Fatigue
Terazosin may cause drowsiness and fatigue in up to 10 percent of patients, reports the "Drug Information Handbook." These side effects also diminish with time; however, if the dose is adjusted upward, the patient may experience increased drowsiness and fatigue. The patient may develop a lack of alertness or focus, and should use caution when performing unsafe activities. If the adverse effects do not go away, the patient should call a physician.
Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion may occur in about 1 to 10 percent of users. This adverse reaction is not concerning unless it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, sore throat and fever. These symptoms may indicate an upper respiratory infection and require the attention of a health care professional.
References
- "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach"; Joseph T. Dipiro, Robert L. Talbert, et al.; 2008
- "Drug Information Handbook"; Charles F. Lacy, Lora L. Armstrong, et al.; 2009
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