Brand
name: Hytrin
Pronounced: HIGH-trin
Generic name: Terazosin hydrochloride
Why is Hytrin prescribed?
Hytrin is prescribed to reduce high blood pressure. It may be used
alone or in combination with other blood pressure lowering drugs, such
as HydroDIURIL (a diuretic) or Inderal, a beta blocker.
Hytrin is also prescribed to relieve the symptoms of benign prostatic
hyperplasia or BPH. BPH is an enlargement of the prostate gland that
surrounds the urinary canal. It leads to the following symptoms:
* A weak or interrupted stream when urinating
* A feeling that you cannot empty your bladder completely
* A feeling of delay when you start to urinate
* A need to urinate often, especially at night
* A feeling that you must urinate right away
Hytrin relaxes the tightness of a certain type of muscle in the prostate
and at the opening of the bladder. This can reduce the severity of
the symptoms.
Most important fact about Hytrin without prescriptions
If you have high blood pressure, you must take Hytrin regularly for
it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may
be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Hytrin; and you
must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Hytrin does not
cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.
How should you take Hytrin?
You may take Hytrin with or without food. Take your first dose at
bedtime. Do not take more than the 1 milligram your doctor has prescribed.
If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
Storage instructions :
Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Protect from light.
Hytrin side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Hytrin.
* Side effects may include:
Difficult or labored breathing, dizziness, headache, heart palpitations, light-headedness
upon standing, nausea, pain in the arms and legs, sleepiness, stuffy nose,
swollen wrists and ankles, weakness
If these symptoms persist, tell your doctor. Your dosage of Hytrin
may be higher than needed.
Why should Hytrin not be prescribed?
Do not take Hytrin if you are sensitive to it or have ever had an
allergic reaction to it.
Special warnings about Hytrin
When your blood pressure falls in response to Hytrin, you may faint.
Other less severe reactions include dizziness, heart palpitations,
light-headedness, and drowsiness. You are also likely to feel dizzy
or faint whenever you rise from a sitting or lying position; this should
disappear as your body becomes accustomed to Hytrin. If your occupation
is such that these symptoms might cause serious problems, make sure
your doctor knows this from the start; he or she will increase your
Hytrin dosage very cautiously.
Regardless of your occupation, avoid driving, climbing, and other
hazardous tasks at the following times:
* For 12 hours after your first dose of Hytrin
* With each new dosage increase
* When you re-start Hytrin after any treatment interruption
If you are taking Hytrin for benign prostatic hyperplasia, remember
that although Hytrin helps relieve the symptoms of BPH, it does NOT
change the size of the prostate, which may continue to grow. You may
still need surgery in the future. In addition, it is possible to have
BPH and prostate cancer at the same time.
If you develop the side effect called priapism--a painful erection
that last for hours--call your doctor without delay. The condition
can lead to impotence if not treated immediately.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Hytrin
If Hytrin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Hytrin with the following:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers such as Motrin and Naprosyn
Other blood pressure medications, such as Dyazide, Vasotec, Calan,
and Verelan
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Hytrin during pregnancy have not been adequately studied.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor
immediately. Hytrin is not recommended during pregnancy unless the
benefit outweighs the potential risk to the unborn baby. It is not
known whether Hytrin appears in breast milk. Because many drugs do
appear in breast milk, your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding
until your treatment with Hytrin is finished.
Recommended dosage for Hytrin
ADULTS
Overdosage
