Why is Hytrin prescribed?
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.
Hytrin 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 weak or interrupted stream when urinating
• A feeling that you cannot empty your bladder completely
• A feeling of delay when you start to urinate
• A need to urinate often, especially at night
• A feeling that you must urinate right away
Hytrin 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.
Most important fact about Hytrin
If you have high blood pressure, you must take Hytrin regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Hytrin; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Hytrin does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.
How should you take Hytrin?
You may take Hytrin with or without food. Take your first dose at bedtime. Do not take more than the 1 milligram your doctor has prescribed.
--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.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Protect from light.
What side effects may occur?
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, sleepiness, stuffy nose, swollen wrists and ankles, weakness
If these symptoms persist, tell your doctor. Your dosage of Hytrin may be higher than needed.
Why should Hytrin not be prescribed?
Do not take Hytrin if you are sensitive to it or have ever had an allergic reaction to it.
Special warnings about Hytrin
When your blood pressure falls in response to Hytrin, you may faint. Other less severe reactions include dizziness, heart palpitations, light-headedness, and drowsiness. You are also likely to feel dizzy or faint whenever you rise from a sitting or lying position; this should disappear as your body becomes accustomed to Hytrin. If your occupation is such that these symptoms might cause serious problems, make sure your doctor knows this from the start; he or she will increase your Hytrin dosage very cautiously.
Regardless of your occupation, avoid driving, climbing, and other hazardous tasks at the following times:
• For 12 hours after your first dose of Hytrin
• With each new dosage increase
• When you re-start Hytrin after any treatment interruption
If you are taking Hytrin for benign prostatic hyperplasia, remember that although Hytrin helps relieve the symptoms of BPH, it does NOT change the size of the prostate, which may continue to grow. You may still need surgery in the future. In addition, it is possible to have BPH and prostate cancer at the same time.
If you develop the side effect called priapism--a painful erection that last for hours--call your doctor without delay. The condition can lead to impotence if not treated immediately.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Hytrin
If Hytrin 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
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Hytrin during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. Hytrin is not recommended during pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the potential risk to the unborn baby. It is not known whether Hytrin appears in breast milk. Because many drugs do appear in breast milk, your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding until your treatment with Hytrin is finished.
Recommended dosage
ADULTS
High Blood Pressure
The usual initial dose is 1 milligram at bedtime. Your doctor may slowly increase the dose until your blood pressure has been lowered sufficiently. The usual recommended dosage range is 1 milligram to 5 milligrams taken once a day; however, some people may benefit from doses as high as 20 milligrams per day.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
The starting dose is 1 milligram at bedtime. Your doctor will gradually increase the dose to 10 milligrams, taken once a day, usually for at least 4 to 6 weeks. A few men have needed a dose of 20 milligrams a day.
If you stop taking Hytrin for several days or longer, your doctor will re-start your treatment with 1 milligram at bedtime.
CHILDREN
Safety and effectiveness of Hytrin in children have not been established.
Overdosage
If you take too much Hytrin, dizziness, light-headedness, and fainting may occur within 90 minutes. A large overdose may lead to shock. If you suspect an overdose of Hytrin, seek medical attention immediately.