Hytrin

Hytrin

     * Generic Name: terazosin hcl
     * Brand Name: Hytrin


     * What is terazosin?
     * What are the possible side effects of terazosin?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       terazosin?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       terazosin?
     * How should I take terazosin?
     * What happens if I miss a dose?
     * What happens if I overdose?
     * What should I avoid while taking terazosin?
     * What other drugs will affect terazosin?
     * Where can I get more information?

What is terazosin?

   Terazosin is in a group of drugs called alpha-adrenergic (AL-fa
   ad-ren-ER-jik) blockers. Terazosin 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.

   Terazosin is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure),
   or to improve urination in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia
   (enlarged prostate).

   Terazosin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this
   medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of terazosin?

   Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an
   allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face,
   lips, tongue, or throat.

   Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
     * 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 side effects may include:
     * mild dizziness;
     * weakness, drowsiness;
     * blurred vision;
     * nausea; or
     * headache.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about terazosin?

   You should not use this medication if you are allergic to terazosin.

   Terazosin 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 terazosin for any reason, call your doctor before
   you start taking it again. You may need a dose adjustment.

   Terazosin can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Tell your
   eye surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medication. Do
   not stop using terazosin 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).

   Hytrin Patient Information including How Should I Take
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Salt Quiz!
   Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started

   Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking terazosin?

   You should not use this medication if you are allergic to terazosin.

   If you have a history of prostate cancer, you may need a dose
   adjustment or special tests to safely take terazosin.

   Terazosin can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Tell your
   eye surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medication. Do not
   stop using terazosin before surgery unless your surgeon tells you to.

   FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether terazosin 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 this medication without telling
   your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take terazosin?

   Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or
   smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions
   on your prescription label.

   Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the
   best results.

   Terazosin lowers blood pressure and 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. Call your doctor if you have severe
   dizziness or feel like you might pass out.

   You may feel very dizzy when you first wake up. Be careful when
   standing or sitting up from a lying position.

   If you stop taking terazosin for any reason, call your doctor before
   you start taking it again. You may need a dose adjustment.

   Your blood pressure or prostate will need to be checked often. Visit
   your doctor regularly.

   If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this
   medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no
   symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of
   your life.

   Some things can cause your blood pressure to get too low. This includes
   vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease,
   dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills).
   Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea
   or vomiting.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

   Hytrin Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Salt Quiz!
   Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started

   Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

   If you miss your doses for several days in a row, contact your doctor
   before restarting the medication. You may need a lower dose.

What happens if I overdose?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

   Overdose symptoms may include extreme dizziness or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking terazosin?

   Terazosin may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you
   drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

   To prevent dizziness, 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. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

   Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of terazosin.

What other drugs will affect terazosin?

   Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:
     * sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio);
     * tadalafil (Cialis);
     * vardenafil (Levitra);
     * verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan); or
     * other blood pressure medications, including diuretics (water
       pills).

   This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with terazosin.
   Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes
   prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not
   start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about terazosin.
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