Hytrin Consumer Information

Hytrin

Generic Name: terazosin (ter AY zo sin)
Brand Names: Hytrin

What is terazosin?

Terazosin is in a group of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers. Terazosin causes the blood vessels (veins and arteries) to relax and expand, improving blood flow. Terazosin also relaxes muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.

Terazosin is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).

Terazosin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

Before taking terazosin, tell your doctor if you use any other blood pressure medications, especially verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan). You may need a dosage adjustment if you take terazosin with other blood pressure medicines.

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

If you stopped taking terazosin for any reason and have started taking it again, you may feel especially dizzy or light-headed after your first few doses.

Terazosin can affect the pupils of your eyes during cataract surgery. If you have cataract surgery during your treatment with terazosin, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you take terazosin. Do not stop using the medication before surgery unless your surgeon tells you to.

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

Terazosin can affect the pupils of your eyes during cataract surgery. If you have cataract surgery during your treatment with terazosin, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you take terazosin. Do not stop using the medication before surgery unless your surgeon tells you to.

How should I take terazosin?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.

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

If you stopped taking terazosin for any reason and have started taking it again, you may feel especially dizzy or light-headed after your first few doses.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure or prostate will need to be checked on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

If you miss doses for several days in a row, call your doctor before taking any additional doses. You may need to use a lower dose of terazosin for a short time.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of a terazosin overdose may include dizziness, fainting, shallow breathing, a weak but rapid pulse, and cold, clammy skin.

What should I avoid while taking terazosin?

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by terazosin.

Terazosin side effects

• fast or pounding heartbeats;

• feeling light-headed, fainting;

• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; or
• penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

• weakness;

• headache;

• numbness or tingly feeling;

• stuffy nose; or

• blurred vision.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect terazosin?

Before taking terazosin, tell your doctor if you use any other blood pressure medications, especially verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan). You may need a dosage adjustment if you take terazosin with other blood pressure medicines.

There may be other drugs that can affect terazosin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.