Terazosin (terazosin HCl)

Terazosin hydrochloride is a alpha1-adrenergic blocking agent.

Terazosin hydrochloride is a quinazoline-derivative postsynaptic alpha1-adrenergic blocking agent. The drug is chemically and pharmacologically related to prazosin and doxazosin. On a molar basis, the postsynaptic alpha1-adrenergic receptor affinity of terazosin is one-third that of prazosin when tested in rat liver, and the alpha1-receptor selectivity is 4 times that of doxazosin when tested in human prostate adenoma.

Terazosin reduces peripheral vascular resistance and blood pressure as a result of its vasodilating effects; the drug produces both arterial and venous dilation. Terazosin reduces blood pressure in both supine and standing patients; the effect is most pronounced on standing blood pressure, and postural hypotension can occur. Terazosin generally causes no change in heart rate or cardiac output in the supine position.

Cardiovascular responses to exercise (e.g., increased heart rate and cardiac output) are maintained during terazosin therapy.

Effects of terazosin on the cardiovascular system are mediated by the drug's activity at alpha1-receptor sites in vascular smooth muscle. alpha1-Adrenergic receptors also are located in nonvascular smooth muscle (e.g., bladder trigone and sphincters, GI tract and sphincters, prostate adenoma and capsule, ureters, uterus) and in nonmuscular tissues (e.g., CNS, liver, kidneys). Because of the prevalence of alpha-receptors in the prostate capsule, prostate adenoma, and the bladder trigone and the relative absence of these receptors on the bladder body, alpha-blockers decrease urinary outflow resistance in men.

Terazosin may improve to a limited extent the serum lipid profile (e.g., small increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations (HDL)/total cholesterol ratio, small decreases in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations). In addition, such potential effects of terazosin may counteract the negative effects of thiazide diuretics on serum lipoprotein concentrations.

SumMon(R)(see Users Guide). For additional information on this drug until a more detailed monograph is developed and published, the manufacturer's labeling should be consulted. It is essential that the labeling be consulted for information on the usual cautions, precautions, and contraindications concerning potential drug interactions and/or laboratory test interferences and for information on acute toxicity.

USES: This medication is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Terazosin belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha blockers.

It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Terazosin is also used in men to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia-BPH). It does not shrink the prostate, but it works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and part of the bladder.

This helps to relieve symptoms of BPH such as difficulty in beginning the flow of urine, weak stream, and the need to urinate often or urgently (including during the middle of the night).

Generic name: terazosin HCl
Pronunciation: (ter-AY-zoe-sin)

The following indications are listed for Terazosin:

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia With Lower Urinary Tract Symptom
• Hypertension

Also known as: Elevated Blood Pressure, Essential Hypertension, Hyperpiesia, Hyperpiesis, Hypertensive Disorder, Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, Symptomatic Bph, Symptomatic Prostatic Hypertrophy, Systemic Arterial Hypertension.

No ICD codes are available for this drug.