Hytrin
Terazosin
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Hytrin
Hytrin is a ?-1 (alpha 1) blocker. These ?-1 blocker causes relaxation of smooth muscles of the arteries, the prostate, and the bladder neck. By relaxing the smooth muscles of the arteries it causes lowering of blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Relaxation of smooth muscles of the bladder neck and prostate gland causes it relieving of the urinary obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate (prostate hypertrophy) in elderly males.
Therapeutic Uses of Hytrin
Hytrin is used in the treatment of hypertension and also for symptomatic treatment of BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia. In BPH, ? -blockers work by relaxing muscles around the urethra (tube that drains urine from the bladder), which causes improvement of urinary obstruction due to BPH.
Direction of use of Hytrin
Take Hytrin as per the prescription of your doctor. Take it at the same time everyday. Hytrin may cause dizziness or fainting also called postural hypotension (low blood pressure if you stand up suddenly from sitting or lying down position) and to minimize this effect it should be taken at bed time in the beginning. To avoid stomach upset Hytrin should be taken with food or milk. You should continue taking Hytrin, even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Hytrin without consulting your doctor. If you have to stop Hytrin, do it gradually because sudden withdrawal of Hytrin may cause rebound hypertension and worsen certain conditions.
If You Miss a Dose of Hytrin
If you miss a dose of Hytrin take it as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose do not take it and instead take it at regular time. Do not take 2 doses of Hytrin to catch up with the missed dose.
How to Store Hytrin
Hytrin should be stored at room temperature away from sunlight, heat and moisture. Keep Hytrin out of reach of children.
More Information About Hytrin
You should check your blood pressure regularly during treatment with Hytrin to monitor the effects of the medicine. You should ask your doctor or other health care provider how to monitor blood pressure and learn it.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Hytrin
Some medical conditions may interact with Hytrin. You should inform your doctor if you have any medical condition that may interact with Hytrin. The following conditions interact with Hytrin:
- If you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant or if you are breast feeding.
- If you have allergy to any medicines, foods, or any other substance.
- If you are suffering from prostate cancer, angina pectoris, heart disease, kidney disease or liver disease.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine or over the counter medicines, herbal preparation, or any dietary supplement.
Some medicines can interact with Hytrin. Tell your doctor or other health care provider if you are taking any medicine that may interact with Hytrin. The following medicines may interact with Hytrin:
- Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (sildenafil, which is commonly known as viagra), verapamil (a calcium channel blocker anti hypertensive) because severe dizziness, fainting or lightheadedness may occur.
Possible Adverse Effects of Hytrin
Like any other medicines Hytrin may cause some side effects. Some of the side effects are minor and common, and some are rare but potentially very serious. If common and minor side effect become problematic or persists for very long time, you should consult your doctor. The following are common side effects of Hytrin:
- Nausea, vertigo, headache, nasal congestion, dizziness, drowsiness, dryness in the mouth, lightheadedness, weakness etc.
You should get immediate medical attention if you get any of the serious side effects that are listed below:
- Chest pain, blurring of vision, easy bleeding and bruising, fainting, severe postural hypotension, painful erection of penis, decreased sexual performance, impotency, palpitation, tinnitus, swelling of hands and feet and severe allergic reaction. Allergic reaction is characterized by swelling of lips, mouth, tongue, face etc. and also skin rash, hives, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest.