HYTRIN - Terazosin

Hytrin Drug Used For

Hytrin (Terazosin) belongs to the alpha-andrenergic blockers class of medications and is prescribed for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). Hytrin is also prescribed for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). It makes urination easier by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck.

Directions for Hytrin Drug

For benign enlargement of the prostate, adults can be put on a dose of 1 mg a day taken at bed time which can then be titrated to 5 to 10 mg a day. For controlling high blood pressure, adults can be started at 1 mg at bedtime everyday and then increased up to 5 mg a day. For children, the dose must be determined by the doctor.

How Hytrin Drug works

Hytrin may lead to dizziness, so the medication must be taken as close to bedtime as possible to avoid falling. Caution should be used when sitting up or standing suddenly from a lying position, especially if you wake up a night, since changing positions may also cause severe dizziness. Stopping the medication suddenly may cause blood pressure to increase. Hytrin should never be combined with alcohol as the combination may lead to drowsiness and severely low blood pressure. Patients on Hytrin should avoid driving, operating machinery or performing other hazardous activities till such time as they are fully aware of how the medication affects them. Hytrin may lead to dizziness or drowsiness during such activities. It is also necessary to avoid becoming overheated in hot weather and during exercise since these may result in low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting.

Side effects of Hytrin Drug

As with all other medications, Hytrin may or may not cause side effects including fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, chest pain, a prolonged or painful erection, rashes, vivid dreams, dizziness or drowsiness, weakness, fatigue, a feeling of not being well, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, fluid retention or slight weight gain, joint or muscle aches, headache, irritability, depression, increased urination, decreased sex drive and/or numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, arms, or legs. If any of the above side effects become aggravated or cause undue discomfort, immediate medical attention should be sought.

Other Hytrin Terazosin Information

Hytrin tablets may be split and taken at half the dose, but each dose must be taken with a full glass of water.