Hytrin

Brand Names: Hytrin

Common Name: terazosin

What is this drug used for?

Terazosin is used for the treatment of high blood pressure. It relaxes blood vessels, allowing blood to flow through them more easily. Terazosin is also used for the treatment of enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH). For BPH, terazosin helps to relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder. This helps to improve urine flow and decrease symptoms of BPH. Terazosin does not slow or stop the progression of enlarged prostate.

Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

This medication should not to be used by anyone who is allergic to terazosin or any of the quinazoline-type medications.

What about possible side effects?

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. Your health professional may be able to help you deal with some of the effects.

The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medicine; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome.

More common

• headache
• unusual tiredness or weakness

  Less common

• back or joint pain
• blurred vision
• drowsiness
• nausea and vomiting
• stuffy nose

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• dizziness

  Less common

• chest pain
• dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
• fainting (sudden)
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• pounding heartbeat
• shortness of breath
• swelling of feet or lower legs

  Rare

• weight gain

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

What if I am taking other drugs?

The following medications may affect the way that terazosin works or may increase the risk of side effects:

• other medications that lower blood pressure (antihypertensives)
• verapamil

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Other information:

Blood pressure: The first few doses of terazosin can cause extreme lowering of blood pressure, especially when moving from lying or sitting to a standing position. Sometimes even loss of consciousness can occur. A similar effect may occur if the medication is taken again after stopping it for more than a few doses, if the dose is rapidly increased, or if another blood-pressure-lowering medication is added. In studies of terazosin, the incidence of these episodes was approximately 1% for people using the medication to lower blood pressure and 0.7% for people using the medication to treat prostate enlargement. The likelihood of this effect can be minimized by starting the dose of terazosin at 1 mg at bedtime, by increasing the dosage slowly, and by starting any additional blood-pressure-lowering medications with caution.

While temporary loss of consciousness is the most severe blood-pressure-lowering effect of terazosin, other symptoms of lowered blood pressure, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and palpitations are more common. If these symptoms occur, lie down and wait for a few minutes before standing to prevent their recurrence, then get up very gradually.

Disease progression: Terazosin does not slow or stop the progression of enlarged prostate.

Occupational hazards: Because of the risk of extreme lowering of blood pressure, avoid driving or hazardous tasks for 12 hours after the initial dose of terazosin, after the dose is increased, and after interruption of therapy when treatment is resumed. Avoid situations where dizziness, lightheadedness, or temporary loss of consciousness could result in injury.

Pregnancy: The safety of using terazosin during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use by pregnant woment unless potential benefits justify the risks.

Breast-feeding: It is not known whether terazosin passes into breast milk. Because of possible adverse effects for nursing infants, women should not breast-feed while taking terazosin.

Children: The use of terazosin by children is not recommended since its safety and efficacy have not been established for this age group.

Special Instructions:

The recommended adult dose of terazosin for high blood pressure starts at 1 mg at bedtime and is slowly increased until the desired blood pressure response is achieved. The usual dose ranges from 1 mg to 5 mg daily.

The recommended adult dose of terazosin for treatment of enlarged prostate starts at 1 mg at bedtime, with increases at weekly intervals to 2 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg once daily to achieve the desired improvement of symptoms.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as your remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

© MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use: The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.