Hytrin

Generic name: Terazosin

Drug classes: Alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonists, Antiadrenergic agents, peripherally acting

Dosage form: Tablets

Root of administration: Oral

Dose: 1, 2, 5, 10 mg

Mechanism of action: Hytrin is in a group of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers. Hytrin relaxes your veins and arteries so that blood can more easily pass through them. It also relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.

Drug usage cases: Hytrin is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), or to improve urination in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).

Drug contra indications: Hytrin can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Tell your eye surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medication. Do not stop using Hytrin before surgery unless your surgeon tells you to. If you have a history of prostate cancer, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Hytrin. You should not use Hytrin if you are allergic to terazosin.

Side effects: Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Hytrin: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious. fast or pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; feeling like you might pass out; swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; or penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer. Less serious Hytrin side effects may include: mild dizziness; weakness, drowsiness, blurred vision; nausea; or headache.

Warnings: You should not use Hytrin if you are allergic to terazosin. Hytrin may cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you first start taking it or when you start taking it again. You may wish to take this medication only at bedtime if it causes you to feel light-headed. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid standing for long periods of time or becoming overheated during exercise and in hot weather. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. If you stop taking Hytrin for any reason, call your doctor before you start taking it again. You may need a dose adjustment. Hytrin can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Tell your eye surgeon ahead of time that you are using Hytrin. Do not stop using Hytrin before surgery unless your surgeon tells you to. Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially other blood pressure medications including diuretics (water pills).

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Hytrin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether terazosin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Hytrin without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.