Terazosin
HYTRIN
What it isAlpha-1 antagonist; benign prostatic hyperplasia and hypertension.
Why this oneIts niche is low-cost dual treatment of BPH and hypertension, but it offers no clear advantage over doxazosin.
What limits itFirst-dose orthostatic hypotension — start at night and titrate. Less prostate-selective than tamsulosin, so hypotension is greater.
FDA-approved for
- hypertension (1987)
- BPH (1993)
Off-label
- ureteral stone passage
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) | Adults | 1 mg QHS | 10 mg QD (stepwise 2→5→10 mg) | 20 mg QD |
Titration Titrate stepwise to response; assess 10 mg dose after minimum 4–6 weeks
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Instructions
- Give first dose at bedtime to minimize first-dose syncope/orthostatic hypotension
- If discontinued for several days, reinstitute using the initial (1 mg) dosing regimen
- Caution with other antihypertensives, especially verapamil
Cautions
- First-dose orthostatic hypotension / syncope — greatest during first 7 days and with dose increases
- Priapism (rare)
- Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome during cataract surgery
Adverse reactions
- Asthenia, postural hypotension, dizziness, somnolence, nasal congestion/rhinitis, impotence
Pregnancy Category C — not recommended in pregnancy unless benefit justifies risk
Lactation Undefined
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskFirst-dose orthostatic hypotension
Cost, est. cash$5–$150/month
Generic entry1998
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryC
Defining liabilityGenerally tolerated at therapeutic doses; clinically important risks are agent-specific and increase with interactions or organ impairment.
Mechanism of action: Terazosin ballicule
Open Terazosin in the interactive console ↗
Memory aids: mascots and interaction avatars
Polka dots on pink → α1 blocker → syncope if titrated too quickly (hit the floor)
“opens the hydrant” → improves urine flow in BPH