How Taken
Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time each day. Take the first dose at bedtime to minimize the chances of getting dizzy or fainting. Tablets may be taken with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Hytrin belongs to a class of medications, called alpha 1 blockers which relaxes the smooth muscles of the arteries, the prostate, and the bladder neck. Other alpha blockers in the same class of drugs include doxazosin (Cardura), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), tamsulosin (Flomax), and prazosin (Minipress). Relaxing the smooth muscles of the arteries lowers blood pressure. Relaxing the smooth muscles around the bladder neck relieves urinary obstruction, caused by an enlarged prostate (prostate hypertrophy).
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. Contact your doctor if 2 or more consecutive doses are missed.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
Warnings/Precautions
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, allergies (especially drug allergies). To avoid dizziness or fainting, get up slowly from a lying or seated position (especially when you first start using this drug or if your doctor changes your dosing). Limit your intake of alcohol and avoid getting overheated because they may increase the dizziness and drowsiness effects of this drug. Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
Possible Side Effects
Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, constipation, loss of appetite, fatigue, nasal congestion or dry eyes may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: chest pain, swelling of the hands or feet, ringing in the ears. Males - though it is unlikely to occur, if you get a painful, prolonged erection, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these highly unlikely but serious side effects: decreased sexual ability, easy bleeding or bruising, irregular or unusually fast heartbeat. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
More Information
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.
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