What is Hytrin?
Hytrin belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha-adrenergic blocking agents. Hytrin relaxes veins and arteries to allow blood to flow more freely. Hytrin relaxes muscles in the bladder, neck, and prostate, which makes it easier to urinate.Hytrin can be used to treat hypertension or benign prostatic hyperplasia in men.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Hytrin.
Side effects of Hytrin
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy to Hytrin, seek emergency medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, and swelling of the throat. If any of the following serious side effects arise, contact your physician immediately:
- Fast or pounding pulses; fluttering or rapid heartbeats in the chest
- Feeling like you might pass out;
- You may experience swelling of your hands, feet, ankles, or other parts.
- Penis erections that are painful or last 4 hours or more
Hytrin may cause less serious side effects, such as:
- Mild dizziness;
- Weakness, drowsiness;
- Blurred vision
- Nausea;
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contacting the FDA in regards to possible side effects is easy at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Hytrin should not be used if you have an allergy to terazosin. Hytrin can cause dizziness and fainting. This is especially true when you begin taking it for the first time or restart taking it. If you feel dizzy or faint, it may be best to only take this medication at night. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness. Standing for long periods or getting overheated is not recommended during hot weather, exercise, or when exercising. You may feel dizzy if you get up too quickly from a lying or sitting position.Call your doctor before starting Hytrin again if you have stopped taking it for any reason. It is possible that you need to adjust your dose.Hytrin can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Inform your eye doctor that you use Hytrin. You should not stop taking Hytrin prior to surgery unless you are told by your surgeon.Inform your doctor of all medications you take, including any diuretics or other medications that affect blood pressure.
Before you take this drug
Hytrin can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Inform your eye surgeon that you will be taking this medication. Hytrin should not be stopped before surgery unless instructed by your surgeon.
Hytrin may require a dose adjustment or even special tests if you have had a history of prostate cancer.If you have an allergy to terazosin, do not use Hytrin.Hytrin is in FDA pregnancy category C. There are no known risks to an unborn child. Inform your physician immediately if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.Terazosin does not pass into breast milk. It is unknown if this medication could harm a baby who is nursing. Hytrin should not be used if you are breastfeeding a child without first consulting your doctor.
How to take Hytrin?
Hytrin should only be taken as directed by your doctor. Take Hytrin only as prescribed by your doctor. You should follow the instructions on your prescription label.You may need to change the dose from time to time if you want to get the best possible results.Hytrin can cause fainting or dizziness, especially at first or after you restart taking it. If you feel dizzy, it may be best to only take this medication at night. If you feel dizzy or like you may pass out, call your doctor.When you wake up, you may feel dizzy. When standing up or sitting down after lying in a position, be careful.Call your doctor if you decide to stop taking Hytrin. It is possible that you need to adjust your dose.You will need to have your blood pressure and/or prostate checked regularly. Visit your doctor regularly.Even if you're feeling well, continue to use Hytrin if you are receiving treatment for high blood pressure. Often, high blood pressure has no symptoms. Blood pressure medications may be needed for the rest of your life.
You can get low blood pressure for a variety of reasons. You may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating. Other causes include heart disease, kidney dialysis, low-salt diets, dialysis, and diuretics. If you have experienced diarrhea or vomiting for a long time, tell your doctor.Hytrin should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you realize you missed a dose, take it immediately. If your next scheduled dosage is soon approaching, skip the missed one altogether; additional medication should never be taken to make up for a missed dose.Contact your doctor before you restart the medication if you have missed several doses in a row. You may require a lower dosage.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.Overdose symptoms can include dizziness and fainting.
What should be avoided?
Hytrin can impair your reactions or thinking. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness.Avoid standing or getting too hot during exercise or in hot weather to prevent dizziness.Avoid standing up quickly from a seated or lying-down position. You may feel dizzy. Slowly get up and be steady to avoid a fall. Hytrin can have more side effects if you drink alcohol.
Interaction with other drug
Let your doctor know about all medications taken, such as:
- Sildenafil (Viagra and Revatio)
- Cialis (tadalafil)
- Vardenafil (Levitra);
- Verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan);
- Other blood pressure medications, including diuretics,
Hytrin may interact with other drugs not listed here.Inform your physician of all medications you take. Included are prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, vitamin, and vitamin products. Never start a new medicine without consulting your doctor.
