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terazosin hydrochloride
Hytrin

Pregnancy Risk Category C

How supplied
Tablets:
1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg
Capsules:
1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg

Action
Decreases blood pressure by vasodilation produced in response to blockade of alpha1-adrenergic receptors. It improves urine flow in patients with BPH by blocking alpha1-adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscle of the bladder neck and prostate, thus relieving urethral pressure and reestablishing urine flow.

Indications & dosage
Hypertension
--
Adults:
initially, 1 mg P.O. h.s. Dosage increased gradually based on response. Usual dosage range is 1 to 5 mg daily. Maximum recommended dose is 20 mg daily.
Symptomatic BPH
--
Adults:
initially, 1 mg P.O. h.s. Dosage increased in a stepwise fashion to 2, 5, or 10 mg once daily to achieve optimal response. Most patients need 10 mg daily for optimal response.

Adverse reactions
CNS:
asthenia, dizziness, headache, nervousness, paresthesia, somnolence.
CV:
palpitations, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, peripheral edema.
EENT:
nasal congestion, sinusitis, blurred vision.
GI:
nausea.
GU:
impotence.
Hematologic:
decreases in hematocrit, WBC, and hemoglobin, total protein, and albumin levels.
Musculoskeletal:
back pain, muscle pain.
Respiratory:
dyspnea.

Interactions
Drug-drug.
Antihypertensives: excessive hypotension. Use together cautiously.
Clonidine:
clonidine's antihypertensive effect may be decreased. Monitor patient.
Drug-herb.
Butcher's broom: possible diminished effect. Avoid concomitant use.

Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.

Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug.

Nursing considerations

Patient teaching

*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine.  †Canada  ‡Australia  §U.K.  OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING

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