Terazosin: a new long-acting alpha 1-adrenergic antagonist for hypertension.

Terazosin is a new long-acting, selective alpha 1-adrenergic antagonist. Its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles are similar to those of prazosin, but terazosin has a half-life three to four times longer. This allows once daily dosing of terazosin and a potential advantage in ensuring patient compliance to treatment. Terazosin has been evaluated alone and in combination with other drugs for the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension. Terazosin has been shown to have favorable lipid and side effect profiles. Unlike prazosin, the drug is available (but not yet marketed) in parenteral form. Its gradual onset of action with intravenous use would limit its potential application in hypertensive emergencies. Other possible uses for terazosin might include treatment of congestive heart failure and Raynaud's phenomenon, but definitive studies are needed.