Kornam (Terazosin)

Terazosin is used in cardiovascular and urological conditions that involve alpha‑1 mediated smooth‑muscle tone.

• Hypertension: lowers systemic blood pressure by reducing peripheral vascular resistance.
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): relaxes prostate and bladder neck smooth muscle to improve urinary flow.
• Essential hypertension: assists patients in achieving target blood pressure goals as part of antihypertensive therapy.

• Terazosin selectively blocks alpha‑1 adrenergic receptors on vascular smooth muscle and in the prostate. By preventing norepinephrine binding, it induces vasodilation, decreasing peripheral vascular resistance and blood pressure. In the lower urinary tract, receptor blockade relaxes smooth muscle of the prostate and bladder neck, reducing urinary obstruction and improving flow. The effect is dose‑dependent and reversible, allowing titration to therapeutic levels while minimizing excessive hypotension.

Terazosin may cause a range of adverse reactions, varying from mild to serious.

Common Side Effects

• Dizziness: sensation of light‑headedness, especially after standing.
• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Fatigue: general feeling of tiredness.
• Nasal congestion: blocked or runny nose.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure leading to fainting.
• Syncope: sudden loss of consciousness.
• Priapism: prolonged, painful erection requiring urgent medical attention.

When prescribing Terazosin, clinicians should observe several safety considerations to reduce risk.

• Blood pressure monitoring: check supine and standing readings before and during therapy.
• Orthostatic hypotension: advise patients to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions.
• Hepatic impairment: use caution and consider dose adjustment in patients with liver dysfunction.
• Concomitant alpha‑blockers: avoid combining with other alpha‑1 antagonists to prevent additive hypotensive effects.
• Renal impairment: assess kidney function and adjust dose if necessary.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep tablets in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Terazosin can interact with other medicines, altering its efficacy or safety profile.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Other alpha‑1 blockers (e.g., prazosin, doxazosin): may cause excessive hypotension.
• Phosphodiesterase‑5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil): increase risk of severe blood pressure drop.
• Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole): raise terazosin plasma levels.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Diuretics: additive effect on blood pressure, monitor electrolytes.
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: combined antihypertensive effect may require dose titration.
• Beta‑blockers: may enhance overall cardiovascular depression.
• NSAIDs: can blunt antihypertensive response, watch blood pressure control.