Drug Name

Hytrin (Terazosin)

Drug Uses

Hytrin is used for high blood pressure treatment and signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Hytrin is an alpha-blocker. It works by relaxing the muscles of blood vessels which leads to lower blood pressure. In BPH alpha-blockers relax the muscles round the urethra (the tube that drains urine from the bladder) which improves urinary symptoms.

Medication

Take the medicine exactly as prescribed. The medicine is to be taken at the same time each day. Take the first dose at bed time to minimize the chances of getting dizzy or faint. The tablets can be taken with milk or food to avoid stomach disorder. It is important to continue taking the medicine even if there are signs of recuperation. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not discontinue the treatment without consulting the doctor.

The Mechanism of Action

Hytrin belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-1 blockers, which relax the smooth muscles of arteries, prostate and 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 enlarged prostate (prostatic hypertrophy).

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it came during your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing. Do not "double the" the dose to catch up. Contact your doctor if 2 or more consecutive doses are missed.

Storage

Store the drug at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.

Precautions

Tell your doctor if you have any disease or condition from this list:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding
• If you are taking any nonprescription medicines, herbal preparations, or dietary supplements
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods or other substances
• if you have prostate cancer, angina, heart disease, kidney or liver disease.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines:

• phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (eg, sildenafil) or verapamil, because there may be severe dizziness or fainting.

Side effects

• dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, feeling of whirling motion, headache, dizziness, nasal congestion, nausea, and weakness.

Contact your doctor immediately in case of any of the serious side effects listed below:

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