Hytrin Drug Information

TERAZOSIN (Systemic)

Some frequently used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Hytrin

In Canada—

• Hytrin

Category

• Antihypertensive
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia therapy agent

Description

Terazosin (ter-AY-zoe-sin) is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

High blood pressure adds to the work load of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.

Terazosin helps to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels so that blood passes through them more easily.

Terazosin is also used to treat benign enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH]). Benign enlargement of the prostate is a problem that can occur in men as they get older. The prostate gland is located below the bladder. As the prostate gland enlarges, certain muscles in the gland may become tight and get in the way of the tube that drains urine from the bladder. This can cause problems in urinating, such as a need to urinate often, a weak stream when urinating, or a feeling of not being able to empty the bladder completely.

Terazosin helps relax the muscles in the prostate and the opening of the bladder. This may help increase the flow of urine and/or decrease the symptoms. However, terazosin will not help shrink the prostate. The prostate may continue to grow. This may cause the symptoms to become worse over time. Therefore, even though terazosin may lessen the problems caused by enlarged prostate now, surgery still may be needed in the future.

Terazosin is available only with your doctor's prescription (RX medicine), in the dosage form provided below:

• Oral
• Tablets (U.S. and Canada)

Before Using This Medicine

When deciding if it's worth using a medicine, the risk of taking it must be carefully weighed against the benifit it can do. This is the decision you and your doctor are to make together. Concerning terazosin, the following aspects should be taken into account:

Allergies—Inform your doctor if you have ever experienced any unusual or allergic reaction to terazosin, prazosin, or doxazosin. Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other substances, like foods, preservatives, dyes.

Pregnancy—No studies have been conducted in humans. Studies in animals given many times the highest recommended human dose have not shown that terazosin causes birth defects. However, these studies have shown a decrease in successful pregnancies.

Breast-feeding—It is not known if terazosin passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. If a mother taking this medicine wish to breast-feed, she should discuss it with her doctor.

Children—Studies on this medicine have been conducted in adult patients only, and there is no specific data on comparing the use of terazosin in children with the use in other age groups.

Older adults—Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting (especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position) may be more likely to occur in the elderly, who are more sensitive to the effects of terazosin.

Other medicines—Although some medicines should not be used together at all, there are cases when 2 different medicines maybe used together even if an interaction might occur. In such cases, your doctor may advise you to change the dose, or other precautions may be required. Inform your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription medicine.

Other medical problems—The existence of other medical problems may influence the use of /terazosin. You should tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, in particular::

• Angina (chest pain)—Terazosin may make this condition worse

• Heart disease (severe)—Terazosin may make this condition worse

• Kidney disease—Possible increased sensitivity to the effects of terazosin

Proper Use of This Medicine

For patients taking this medicine for high blood pressure :

• In addition to the use of the medicine your doctor has prescribed, treatment for your high blood pressure may include weight control and care in the types of foods you eat, especially foods high in sodium. Your doctor will tell you which of these are most important for you. You should check with your doctor before changing your diet.
• Many patients who have high blood pressure will not notice any signs of the problem. In fact, many may feel normal. It is very important that you take your medicine exactly as directed and that you keep your appointments with your doctor even if you feel well.
• Remember that terazosin will not cure your high blood pressure but it does help control it. Therefore, you must continue to take it as directed if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down. You may have to take high blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life . If high blood pressure is not treated, it can cause serious problems such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, stroke, or kidney disease.

For patients taking this medicine for benign enlargement of the prostate :

• Remember that terazosin will not shrink the size of your prostate but it does help to relieve the symptoms.
• It may take up to 6 weeks before your symptoms get better.

To help you remember to take your medicine, try to get into the habit of taking it at the same time each day.

Dosing—The dose of terazosin will vary for different patients. Adhere to the orders of your doctor or the instructions on the label . The information below includes only the average doses of terazosin. If your dose differs, you should not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of tablets you take depends on the strength of the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For benign enlargement of the prostate:
    • Adults—At first, 1 milligram (mg) taken at bedtime. Then, 5 to 10 mg once a day.
  • For high blood pressure:
    • Adults—At first, 1 mg taken at bedtime. Then, 1 to 5 mg once a day.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose—If you miss a dose of this drug, you should take it as soon as possible during the same day. Nevertheless, if you do not remember to take the missed dose till the next day, skip it and go back to your regular dosing schedule. You should not double doses.

Storage—To store this medicine properly, follow the instructions below:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

It is especially important that your doctor check your progress on regular basis to be sure that this drug is working properly.

For patients taking this medicine for high blood pressure :

• Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor . This especially includes over-the-counter (nonprescription) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, since they may tend to increase your blood pressure.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or sudden fainting may occur after you take this medicine, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position. These effects are more likely to occur when you take the first dose of this medicine. Taking the first dose at bedtime may prevent problems. However, be especially careful if you need to get up during the night . These effects may also occur with any doses you take after the first dose. Getting up slowly may help lessen this problem. If you feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint . Then sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness from returning.

The dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting is more likely to occur if you drink alcohol, stand for long periods of time, exercise, or if the weather is hot. While you are taking this medicine, be careful to limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Also, use extra care during exercise or hot weather or if you must stand for long periods of time .

Terazosin may cause some people to become drowsy or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy, drowsy, or are not alert . After you have taken several doses of this medicine, these effects should lessen.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Alongside with its expected effects, any medicine may be the cause of some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may happen, if they do happen they may require medical attention.

Consult your doctor immediately if any of the side effects from the list below occur:

Other side effects that may occur generally do not require any medical attention. These side effects may disappear in the course of treatment as your body gets used to the medicine. Nevertheless, inform your doctor if any of the side effects below persist or became annoying:

Other side effects not mentioned above may also happen in some patients. If you notice any other effects, tell your doctor about it.