Hytrin (Terazosin)

General information

Hytrin is in a group of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers. It relaxes blood vessels, allowing blood to flow through them more easily. Hytrin is used for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It is also used for the treatment of enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy). Terazosin helps to relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder. This helps to improve urine flow and decrease symptoms of enlarged prostate. Terazosin does not slow or stop the progression of enlarged prostate.

Directions

Take Hytrin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended adult dose for high blood pressure starts at 1 mg at bedtime and is slowly increased until the desired blood pressure response is achieved. The usual dose ranges from 1 mg to 5 mg daily. The recommended adult dose for treatment of enlarged prostate starts at 1 mg at bedtime, with increases at weekly intervals to 2 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg once daily to achieve the desired improvement of symptoms. If stomach upset occurs, you may take it with food or milk.

Precautions

Before taking Hytrin you should talk with your doctor if you have low blood pressure, fainting, prostate cancer, other prostate or bladder problems, liver disease. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can increase some of the side effects.

Contraindications

You should not take Hytrin if you are allergic to terazosin or any of the quinazoline-type medications. Let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have headache, unusual tiredness, drowsiness, stuffy nose, weakness, back or joint pain, nausea, blurred vision, vomiting, dizziness, chest pain, lightheadedness, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, swelling of feet or lower legs, weight gain, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: drugs for male erectile problems (tadalafil, vardenafil, sildenafil), blood pressure medications (verapamil, metoprolol, bumetanide, triamterene), alpha-blockers (alfuzosin, tamsulosin), muscle relaxants (carisoprodol), narcotic pain relievers (codeine, morphine), psychiatric medicines (chlorpromazine, amitriptyline). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are dizziness, fainting, shallow breathing, a weak but rapid pulse, and cold, clammy skin.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light, heat and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.