Terazosin
- Class: Alpha-1 blocker
- Used for: high blood pressure and enlarged prostate
- Say it: ter-AY-zoh-sin
- Forms: capsule, tablet
Like doxazosin it blocks alpha-1 receptors in both vessel wall and prostate. Tamsulosin is the prostate-selective cousin — it targets alpha-1A and drops blood pressure far less.
The stem marks an alpha-1 blocker. Those receptors sit on vascular smooth muscle and on the prostate and bladder neck, so one drug loosens both. First dose at bedtime: removing the reflex that holds pressure up on standing is what causes the faint. All drug suffixes ›
Side effects
Common: dizziness, stuffy nose, fatigue
Serious: fainting after the first dose
Typical dose
1 mg at bedtime, titrated up to 10 mg
Same first-dose caution. Ask about planned cataract surgery before starting.
Check yourself
How does tamsulosin differ from terazosin?
- It is selective for alpha-1A in the prostate, so it lowers blood pressure much less
- It blocks beta receptors rather than alpha
- It shrinks the prostate rather than relaxing it
- It works only in women
Show answer
A. It is selective for alpha-1A in the prostate, so it lowers blood pressure much less
Both relax the bladder outlet. Terazosin blocks alpha-1 receptors everywhere, including vessel walls, so it drops blood pressure; tamsulosin concentrates on the alpha-1A subtype of the prostate. Option three describes finasteride.
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