Terazosin hydrochloride (generic Hytrin) is prescribed to reduce high blood pressure. It may be used alone or in combination with other blood pressure lowering drugs, such as HydroDIURIL (a diuretic) or Inderal, a beta blocker.
Terazosin HCL is also prescribed to relieve the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. BPH is an enlargement of the prostate gland that surrounds the urinary canal. It leads to the following symptoms:
a feeling that you must urinate right away
Terazosin HCL relaxes the tightness of a certain type of muscle in the prostate and at the opening of the bladder. This can reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Terazosin How To Take
You may take Terazosin HCl (generic Hytrin) with or without food. Take your first dose at bedtime. Do not take more than the 1 milligram your doctor has prescribed.
Terazosin Side Effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Hytrin.
More common side effects may include:
Difficult or labored breathing, dizziness, headache, heart palpitations, light-headedness upon standing, nausea, pain in the arms and legs, stuffy nose, sleepiness, swollen wrists and ankles, weakness
If these symptoms persist, tell your doctor. Your dosage of Hytrin may be higher than needed.
Less common or rare side effects may include:
Anxiety, back pain, blurred vision, bronchitis, conjunctivitis (inflamed eyes), constipation, decreased sex drive, depression, diarrhea, dimmed vision, dry mouth, facial swelling, fainting, fever, flu or cold symptoms (cough, sore throat, runny nose), fluid retention, frequent urination, gas, gout, impotence, inability to hold urine, increased heart rate, indigestion, inflamed sinuses, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, itching, joint pain and inflammation, low blood pressure, muscle aches, nasal inflammation, nervousness, nosebleed, numbness or tingling, painful lasting erection, pain in the abdomen, chest, neck, or shoulder, rash, ringing in the ears, severe allergic reaction, sweating, urinary tract infection, vertigo, vision changes, vomiting, weight gain
Terazosin Medical Precautions
Terazosin may cause drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting after the first dose. Take the first dose at bedtime. If you get up during the night, sit up and stand up slowly. Continue to sit up and stand slowly while you are taking this medicine. BE CAREFUL DURING exercise, hot weather, and if you must stand for long periods of time. BEFORE DRINKING ALCOHOL, discuss it with your doctor. Alcohol may worsen dizziness or lightheadedness. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Terazosin Drug Interactions
If Terazosin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Hytrin with the following: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers such as Motrin and Naprosyn; Other blood pressure medications, such as Dyazide, Vasotec, Calan, and Verelan
Terazosin Medical Notes
If Terazosin overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness and weakness.
Terazosin Missed Dosages
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
Terazosin Storage
Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Protect from light.
