Hytrin MedFacts

Hytrin

Hytrin is used for:

Treating high blood pressure and treating signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Hytrin is an alpha-blocker. It works by relaxing muscles in the blood vessels, resulting in lowering of blood pressure. In BPH, alpha-blockers work by relaxing muscles around the urethra (tube that drains urine from the bladder), which improves urinary symptoms.

Do NOT use Hytrin if:

• you are allergic to any of the ingredients contained in Hytrin or to similar medicines (eg, prazosin)

Contact your health care provider as soon as possible if any of the above applies to you.

Consider before using Hytrin

Medical Conditions

There are medical conditions that can influence usage of Hytrin . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are either pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• if you are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any medicine (either prescription or nonprescription), herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you are allergic to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have prostate cancer, angina pectoris, heart disease, or kidney or liver problems

Drugs Interaction

There are medicines that may interact with Hytrin . Inform your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, in particular any from the list below:

• Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (eg, sildenafil) or verapamil because severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur

This is not a full list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Hytrin may interact with other medicines that you take. Also, consult your health care provider in advance if you are going to start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Hytrin Usage Guidelines

You should use Hytrin as recommended by your doctor. Read the medicine's label for precise dosing instructions.

• An extra patient leaflet is available with Hytrin . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
• If you miss a dose of Hytrin , take it as soon as you get it remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, ignore the missed one and get back to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time. If you have missed more than 1 dose, consult your doctor or health care provider.

Clarify with your health care provider any issues you may have about usage of Hytrin .

Important safety information on hytrin

• Hytrin may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Hytrin with caution. Refrain from driving or performing other possibly dangerous activities until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Hytrin ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Hytrin may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure after the very first dose. Take you first dose at bedtime. If you get up during the night, sit up slowly, then stand slowly. This will help to reduce your lightheadedness or dizziness. These effects will more likely occur after you have taken the first few doses or if you have increased your dose, but can occur at any time while you are taking the medicine. It can also occur if you stop taking the medicine and restart treatment.
• Hytrin may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.
• Hytrin may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.
• Hytrin should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Hytrin while you are pregnant. It is not known if Hytrin is found in breast milk. If you are breast-feeding or going to breast-feed, discuss with your doctor any possible risks to your baby.

Side effects may be caused by Hytrin

Any medicine may cause side effects, but the majority of people have either slight side effects, or dont have it at all. Consult your doctor if any of the most COMMON side effects from the list below persist or start bothering you:

Dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; feeling of a whirling motion; headache; lightheadedness; nasal congestion; nausea; weakness.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision; chest pain; decreased sexual ability; difficulty breathing; easy bleeding or bruising; fainting; painful penile erection; pounding or tightness in the chest; ringing in the ears; swelling of the hands or feet.

It sholud be noted, that this is not a full list of possible side effects. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include dizziness; weakness.

Hytrin storage instructions:

Store capsules at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Hytrin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about this medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Hytrin is supposed to be used only by the patient it is prescribed to. Do not share it with other people. Do not use it for other health conditions.
• If your symptoms do not improve or even become worse, inform your doctor.
• If using Hytrin for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

This information is summary only. It does not contain all information about Hytrin . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.