Drug Name

Hytrin (Terazosin)

Drug Uses

Hytrin is used for treating high blood pressure and treating signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Hytrin is an alpha-blocker. It works by relaxing muscles in the blood vessels, resulting in lowering of blood pressure. In BPH, alpha-blockers work by relaxing muscles around the urethra (tube that drains urine from the bladder), which improves urinary symptoms.

How to use

Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time each day. Take the first dose at bedtime to minimize the chances of getting dizzy or fainting. Tablets may be taken with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Hytrin belongs to a class of medications, called alpha 1 blockers which relaxes the smooth muscles of the arteries, the prostate, and the bladder neck. Other alpha blockers in the same class of drugs include doxazosin (Cardura), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), tamsulosin (Flomax), and prazosin (Minipress). Relaxing the smooth muscles of the arteries lowers blood pressure. Relaxing the smooth muscles around the bladder neck relieves urinary obstruction, caused by an enlarged prostate (prostate hypertrophy).

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. Contact your doctor if 2 or more consecutive doses are missed.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.

Warnings/Precautions

Some medical conditions may interact with Hytrin . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have prostate cancer, angina pectoris, heart disease, or kidney or liver problems.

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Hytrin . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (eg, sildenafil) or verapamil because severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur.

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; feeling of a whirling motion; headache; lightheadedness; nasal congestion; nausea; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision; chest pain; decreased sexual ability; difficulty breathing; easy bleeding or bruising; fainting; painful penile erection; pounding or tightness in the chest; ringing in the ears; swelling of the hands or feet.

More Information

It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.