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Terazosin Coupon - Terazosin 5mg capsule

terazosin

Generic Hytrin
Used for Hypertension, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Used for Hypertension, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Terazosin is a medication that’s typically used to treat difficulty urinating caused by an enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). It can also be used to treat high blood pressure, but it’s not a first-choice option for this condition due to the risk of side effects, like feeling dizzy or weak, particularly for older adults. Terazosin is taken by mouth, typically once daily at bedtime. It’s only available as a lower-cost generic (former brand name Hytrin).

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kaitlyn Keesling, PharmD Candidate
reviewer
Connie Zheng, PharmD
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on May 2, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Terazosin?

What is Terazosin used for?

  • Difficulty urinating caused by an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH)

  • High blood pressure

How Terazosin works

Terazosin is an alpha-1 blocker. It treats BPH by relaxing certain muscles in the prostate and bladder, which allows urine to flow more easily.

Terazosin can also treat high blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels. This helps blood flow smoothly through the body.

Are you looking for information on tamsulosin (Flomax) or doxazosin (Cardura) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsHytrin (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassAlpha-1 blocker
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$54.19(save 61.80%)
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What are the side effects of Terazosin?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH):
  • Dizziness (9%)
  • Weakness (7%)
High blood pressure:
  • Dizziness (19%)
  • Headache (16%)
  • Weakness (11%)

Other Side Effects

  • Feeling tired
  • Swelling in the arms or legs
  • Back or limb pain
  • Weight gain
  • Fast or pounding heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling nervous
  • Nausea
  • Blurry vision
  • Stuffy nose

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Priapism: painful erection that lasts more than 4 hours

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Dizziness

Less common

Chest pain

dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position

fainting (sudden)

fast or irregular heartbeat

pounding heartbeat

shortness of breath

swelling of feet or lower legs

Rare

Weight gain

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Headache

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Back or joint pain

blurred vision

drowsiness

nausea and vomiting

stuffy nose

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See more Terazosin side effects
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Terazosin

thumbs-up

Pros

Available as a lower-cost generic medication

Taken once a day

Can be taken with or without food

thumbs-down

Cons

Not a first-choice option for high blood pressure

Can cause dizziness, especially if you stand up quickly

If you miss your dose for many days, you may need to restart treatment at the starting dose

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Terazosin

pharmacist

  • Terazosin can be taken with or without food, and it’s best to take it at bedtime.

    • Terazosin can make you feel dizzy or light-headed, especially when you start taking it for the first time and when your dose is raised. If you’ve been sitting or lying down, get up slowly to avoid the risk of falling.

      • Because terazosin can cause dizziness, avoid driving and doing things that may be dangerous until your body gets used to the medication.

        • Common side effects of terazosin include feeling more tired than usual or having a hard time standing up. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, it may be helpful to tell your loved ones or caregiver since they might be able to help you stay steady.

          • Terazosin can raise your risk of falls since it causes dizziness. If you fall down and hit your head or are in pain after a fall, the safest choice is to seek medical care right away. This is because there could be bleeding inside the body, and it’s best to have your provider check for these injuries. This is particularly important if you’re taking blood thinners, which can raise your risk for bleeds that are difficult to stop.

            • If you miss taking your terazosin for 2 or more days in a row, talk to your provider about how to safely restart terazosin. You might need to start taking a lower dose to avoid side effects that could cause you to fall or faint, like dizziness and weakness.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Terazosin

              When should I take terazosin?
              Terazosin is typically taken once daily at bedtime to lower your risk of falling. This is because terazosin can make you feel dizzy or light-headed, especially right after you take it. If you need to get up during the night, you may need more support than usual to safely get out of bed. To avoid falling, change positions slowly. It’s also helpful to have something to hold on to when you stand up. While dizziness is expected, let your provider know if this side effect is too bothersome or doesn’t get better after you’ve taken terazosin for a week or two. They can talk with you about your options.
              How long does it take for terazosin to work?
              If you take terazosin for BPH, your symptoms may start to improve in 2 to 4 weeks. You might notice that your urine stream is more consistent or that you can better empty your bladder. But if your symptoms aren’t getting better by then, let your provider know because they might need to raise your dose. Keep in mind that sometimes you may need to take your dose for 4 to 6 weeks to see the full effect. If you take terazosin for high blood pressure, it can start to lower your blood pressure within 15 minutes after you take it. But it might take up to 2 to 3 hours for the medication to have the most effect. Your provider might tell you to check your blood pressure a few times a day, especially when you first start terazosin, to see how it’s working.
              Can terazosin cause erectile dysfunction?
              While some medications that are used for BPH and high blood pressure can directly cause erectile dysfunction, this isn’t a known side effect of terazosin. In some rare cases, terazosin can cause priapism (prolonged erection), which can lead to erectile dysfunction if it’s not treated right away. If you experience painful erections that last for several hours, get medical help as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage.
              Can I take terazosin with sildenafil (Viagra)?
              Ask your provider if taking terazosin and sildenafil (Viagra) is a possible option for you. Taking terazosin and sildenafil (Viagra) at the same time can increase your risk of side effects, like dizziness. This is because sildenafil (Viagra), like terazosin, relaxes your blood vessels to lower your blood pressure. Your provider may have you avoid using both terazosin and sildenafil (Viagra) in order to prevent your blood pressure from dropping too low. Or, they might allow you to take both medications together, but at lower dosages or at separate times. Discuss with your provider if you have questions about this interaction.
              Is terazosin better than tamsulosin (Flomax) for BPH?
              Terazosin and tamsulosin are both alpha-1 blockers that are used for symptoms of BPH. Both medications are effective and can help ease urine flow. The American Urology Association doesn’t recommend one over the other. But your provider might choose either terazosin or tamsulosin (Flomax) for you based on what other conditions you have. For example, tamsulosin (Flomax) is less likely to cause dizziness because it typically doesn’t lower blood pressure as much as terazosin. So your provider might choose tamsulosin (Flomax) for you if you’re too dizzy from terazosin. But if you have high blood pressure that’s not well-controlled, your provider might consider terazosin over tamsulosin (Flomax) to help bring down your blood pressure.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Terazosin?

              Terazosin can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Dangerously low blood pressure and risk of fainting

              • Risk factors: Age 65 years or older | Taking other blood pressure medications

                Terazosin can cause you to feel dizzy or faint when you stand up after sitting or lying down. This is because your blood pressure may change quickly when you change positions (also known as orthostatic hypotension). The risk of this side effect is highest after your first dose. But it’s also more likely to happen during the first 7 days of taking terazosin and whenever your dose is raised. Typically, you tend to feel most dizzy within 90 minutes of taking a dose.

                When you take terazosin for the first time or take a higher dose, avoid activities that could be dangerous for 12 hours after your dose. This includes driving, operating heavy machinery, and exercising. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or like your heart is pounding, make sure to stop doing anything that could be hazardous. If these symptoms are bothersome, let your healthcare provider know because they might need to change your dose.

                risk-warning

                Painful erection (priapism)

                In some rare cases, terazosin can cause a painful erection (also known as priapism) that continues for more than 4 hours. If this happens to you, contact your provider right away to avoid the risk of permanent erectile dysfunction.

                risk-warning

                Eye problems during surgery

                • Risk factors: Cataract surgery

                  If you take terazosin and plan to get cataract eye surgery, let your provider know. In some rare cases, this medication can cause changes to your iris, a condition called Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS). Keep in mind that terazosin is probably less likely to cause IFIS than other medications used to treat BPH, like tamsulosin. You don’t need to stop taking terazosin before the surgery, but your surgeon needs to adjust how they perform the operation. Letting your provider know ahead of time can help them prepare accordingly.

                  dosage

                  Terazosin dosage forms

                  The average cost for 90 capsules of 5mg of Terazosin is $22.60 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 58.3% off the average retail price of $54.19.
                  capsule
                  Capsule
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  1mg90 capsules$20.97$0.23
                  2mg90 capsules$20.70$0.23
                  5mg90 capsules$22.60$0.25
                  10mg90 capsules$22.50$0.25
                  See more Terazosin dosage
                  interactions

                  Interactions between Terazosin and other drugs

                  Terazosin may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Terazosin. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  See more Terazosin interactions
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                  How much does Terazosin cost?

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                  Terazosin (generic)
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                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Terazosin?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Terazosin. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Terazosin
                  Used for:

                  • Difficulty urinating caused by an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH)

                  • High blood pressure

                  $20.70 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Doxazosin (Cardura)
                  Used for:
                  $9.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Tamsulosin
                  Used for:
                  $4.80 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  images

                  Terazosin images

                  Gray And Purple Mylan 2268 Mylan 2268 - Terazosin Hydrochloride 5mg Capsule
                  This medicine is Gray And Purple Capsule Imprinted With "Mylan 2268 Mylan 2268".Gray And Purple Mylan 2268 Mylan 2268 - Terazosin Hydrochloride 5mg Capsule
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                  Orange And White 737 5 Mg - Terazosin Hydrochloride 5mg Capsule
                  This medicine is Orange And White Capsule Imprinted With "737 5 Mg".Orange And White 737 5 Mg - Terazosin Hydrochloride 5mg Capsule
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                  This medicine is Orange Capsule Imprinted With "Te3".Orange Te3 - Terazosin Hydrochloride 5mg Capsule
                  Orange Te3 - Terazosin Hydrochloride 5mg Capsule
                  This medicine is Orange Capsule Imprinted With "Te3".Orange Te3 - Terazosin Hydrochloride 5mg Capsule

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                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  Apnar Pharma LP. (2023). Terazosin hydrochloride capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Postural hypotension: What it is and how to manage it.

                  Chang, D. F. (2009). Floppy iris syndrome: Why BPH treatment can complicate cataract surgery. American Family Physician.

                  View All References (5)

                  Dong, Z., et al. (2009). Tamsulosin versus terazosin for benign prostatic hyperplasia: A systematic review. Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine.

                  Saad, M., et al. (2022). Alpha blocker-associated intraoperative floppy iris syndrome. The Senior Care Pharmacist.

                  Sandhu, J. S., et al. (2023). Management of lower urinary tract symptoms attributed to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): AUA Guideline amendment 2023. Journal of Urology.

                  Silberman, M., et al. (2023). Priapism. StatPearls.

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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