Hytrin

(Terazosin Hydrochloride)

The active ingredient in Hytrin is terazosin hydrochloride, which is an alpha-1 blocker. It helps treat symptoms of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) by relaxing certain muscles in the prostate and bladder, allowing better urine flow. Terazosin can also reduce high blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels to let blood flow more easily throughout the body.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Hytrin. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Hytrin:

• Your doctor may occasionally adjust your dose to provide the optimum results.
• Hytrin reduces blood pressure and may produce dizziness or fainting, particularly when first starting or restarting the medication. If this medication causes you to feel light-headed, you should only take it before going to bed. If you get extreme dizziness or feel like you are about to pass out, call your doctor.
• You may feel dizzy when you first wake up. Take care when standing or sitting up from a sleeping posture.
• If you stop taking Hytrin for whatever reason, contact your doctor before restarting. You may require a dosage adjustment.
• Your blood pressure and/or prostate will need to be checked regularly. Visit your doctor on a regular basis.
• If you are being treated for high blood pressure, continue taking Hytrin even if you feel OK. High blood pressure frequently produces no symptoms. You may need to take blood pressure medications for the rest of your life.

The most common side effects of terazosin include:

• Dizziness.
• Weakness.
• Nasal congestion.
• Feeling tired.
• Headaches.
• Drowsiness.
• Blurred vision.
• Back pain.
• Weight gain.
• Palpitations.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Hytrin. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reaction to the medication, such as hives or a skin rash.
• Erectile dysfunction or painful erection, known as priapism.
• Low blood pressure when standing up after sitting or lying down (orthostatic hypertension).

These are not all of the possible side effects of Hytrin. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Hytrin, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Hytrin can have an effect on your pupils during cataract surgery. Inform your eye surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medicine. If your surgeon instructs you to cease using Hytrin before surgery, do so.
• Terazosin may raise the risk of eye problems called intraoperative floppy iris syndrome during or after cataract or glaucoma surgery.
• Low blood pressure.
• If you have a history of prostate cancer, you may require a dose change or additional testing to safely take Hytrin.
• You should not take Hytrin if you are allergic to terazosin.

Hypersensitivity to terazosin.

If you use terazosin for BPH, your symptoms may improve between two and four weeks. You may notice that your urine stream is more constant or that you can more easily empty your bladder. However, if your symptoms have not improved by then, notify your provider, as they may need to increase your dose.

Terazosin can reduce your blood pressure within 15 minutes of taking it. However, the drug may take up to 2 to 3 hours to achieve its full impact.

When Hytrin is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio).
• Tadalafil (Cialis).
• Vardenafil (Levitra).
• Verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan).
• Other blood pressure medications including diuretics (water pills).

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): The initial dose is 1 mg taken orally once a day at bedtime. If you're still having difficulties peeing, your doctor can gradually increase the dose. The normal dose is 10 milligrams taken at bedtime.

High blood pressure: The beginning dose is 1 mg taken orally once a day at bedtime. If your blood pressure remains high, your doctor can gradually increase your dose. The normal dose range is 1 to 5 mg once daily.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Generva Pharmaceuticals is the manufacturer of Hytrin.

There are several lower-cost generic names available for Hytrin.

Terazosin reduces high blood pressure and BPH symptoms, but it does not cure them. Terazosin for BPH may take 4 to 6 weeks or more to produce the desired results. Even if you are feeling fine, continue to take terazosin. Do not discontinue taking Terazosin without consulting your doctor.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you. It is not known whether terazosin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.