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Hytrin Consumer Information

HYTRIN

Generic Name: terazosin (ter AH zoe sin)

Brand Names: Hytrin

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

• To avoid falling, take the first dose of terazosin at bedtime. Terazosin may cause dizziness. It is a good idea to take every dose at bedtime, if possible.
• Use caution when you stand or sit up from a lying position, especially if you wake up during the night. Dizziness may occur when changing positions.
• Do not stop taking terazosin suddenly, even if you feel better. Stopping suddenly could cause your blood pressure to increase.

What is terazosin?

• Terazosin is in a class of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers. Terazosin causes the blood vessels (veins and arteries) to relax and expand, which allows blood to pass more easily through them.
• Terazosin is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Terazosin is also used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). It relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.
• Terazosin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

• Before taking terazosin, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during therapy with terazosin.
• Terazosin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether terazosin will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take terazosin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• It is not known whether terazosin passes into breast milk. Do not take terazosin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take terazosin?

• Take terazosin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• To avoid falling, take the first dose of terazosin at bedtime. Terazosin may cause dizziness. It is a good idea to take every dose at bedtime, if possible.
• Use caution when you stand or sit up from a lying position, especially if you wake up during the night. Dizziness may occur when changing positions.
• Do not stop taking terazosin suddenly, even if you feel better. Stopping suddenly could cause your blood pressure to increase.
• Store terazosin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. A double dose could cause your blood pressure to become severely low.
• If you miss doses for several days in a row, call your doctor before taking any additional doses. Treatment may need to be restarted with a lower dose.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of a terazosin overdose include weakness, dizziness, and fainting; a weak, fast pulse; cold, clammy skin; and possible loss of consciousness or coma.

What should I avoid while taking terazosin?

• Avoid alcohol while taking terazosin. Alcohol may cause drowsiness or severely low blood pressure while taking terazosin.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities until you know how the medication affects you. Terazosin may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
• Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather and during exercise. Low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting could result.