HYTRIN

Who is Hytrin for ?

Terazosin is used to treat high blood pressure. It also is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Terazosin works by relaxing the blood vessels, so that blood can flow more easily through the body, thus decreasing blood pressure. For BPH, it works by relaxing the muscles of the bladder and prostate to allow for easier urine flow.

When should I be careful taking Hytrin ?

Before taking terazosin,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to terazosin, doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially beta blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal), sotalol (Betapace), and timolol (Blocadren); clonidine (Catapres); indomethacin (Indocin); verapamil (Calan); and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking terazosin, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking terazosin.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery for 12-24 hours after the first time you take terazosin or after your dose is increased.

Side Effects

Although side effects from terazosin are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness
• headache
• tiredness
• blurred vision
• decreased sexual ability
• nervousness
• increased urination
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• gas
• muscle weakness or pain
• ringing in ears
• dry mouth
• stuffy nose
• difficulty sleeping

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• difficulty breathing
• fast heartbeat
• irregular heartbeat
• chest pain
• skin rash
• swollen ankles or feet
• fainting