Terazosin

Definition

Terazosin is an alpha-1 adrenergic blocker used primarily for treating hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia. By blocking alpha-1 receptors in the vascular smooth muscle, terazosin leads to vasodilation, which helps lower blood pressure. Its role in managing both blood pressure and urinary symptoms makes it a versatile medication in clinical practice.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Terazosin is often prescribed as part of a treatment plan for patients with high blood pressure and can also be effective in managing symptoms of BPH.
2. Common side effects of terazosin include dizziness, fatigue, and orthostatic hypotension, especially after the first dose.
3. It is typically taken once daily, often at bedtime, to minimize the risk of side effects like dizziness.
4. Terazosin may interact with other medications that lower blood pressure or cause drowsiness, so it’s important for patients to inform their healthcare provider about all medications they are taking.
5. Patients should be monitored for signs of hypotension, particularly when starting the medication or increasing the dose.

Review Questions

• How does terazosin's mechanism of action contribute to its effectiveness in treating hypertension?
  • Terazosin's mechanism of action involves blocking alpha-1 adrenergic receptors located on vascular smooth muscle. By inhibiting these receptors, it causes relaxation and vasodilation of blood vessels, leading to a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance. This reduction in resistance lowers overall blood pressure, making terazosin effective for treating hypertension.
• Discuss the potential side effects associated with terazosin and how they might affect patient compliance.
  • Patients taking terazosin may experience side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, and orthostatic hypotension. These side effects can be particularly pronounced after the initial dose or when increasing dosage. Due to the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, patients may become hesitant to continue the medication as prescribed, which could affect overall compliance and treatment efficacy. It's essential for healthcare providers to discuss these potential side effects with patients and offer strategies to manage them.
• Evaluate how terazosin can be integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan for a patient with both hypertension and BPH.
  • Integrating terazosin into a treatment plan for a patient with both hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) involves careful assessment of the patient's overall health status and medication regimen. Since terazosin addresses both high blood pressure and urinary symptoms associated with BPH, it serves a dual purpose. However, clinicians must consider potential interactions with other antihypertensive agents and monitor the patient closely for side effects such as hypotension. An effective plan might include lifestyle modifications alongside medication management to ensure optimal outcomes for both conditions.

Related terms

Alpha-1 adrenergic receptors: Receptors that, when activated by norepinephrine or epinephrine, cause vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure; terazosin works by blocking these receptors.

Vasodilation:

The widening of blood vessels resulting from relaxation of the muscular walls, which terazosin induces to lower blood pressure.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): A non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can lead to urinary problems; terazosin is used to alleviate these symptoms.