Hytrin

Common Name: terazosin

How does Hytrin work?

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.

How should I use Hytrin?

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.

What form(s) does Hytrin come in?

This medication is supplied as a white 1 mg tablet, an orange 2 mg tablet, a tan 5 mg tablet, a blue 10 mg tablet, and a starter pack containing one strip (7 tablets) of 1 mg tablets, one strip (7 tablets) of 2 mg tablets, and two strips of 5 mg tablets. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, lactose, magnesium stearate, povidone, and talc. Tablets do not contain alcohol, gluten, paraben, sodium, sucrose, sulfite, or tartrazine.

What should I NOT take with Hytrin?

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

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Hytrin?

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.