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Hytrin |
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What is Hytrin and why is it prescribed? Hytrin is prescribed to reduce high blood pressure. 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, and 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. 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. You must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Hytrin does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Hytrin? Follow your doctors directions for taking 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 two doses at the same time. Store Hytrin at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Protect it from light. Are there any Hytrin side effects? Hytrin side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Hytrin 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, and weakness. If these symptoms persist, tell your doctor. Your dosage of Hytrin may be higher than needed. Less common or rare Hytrin side effects may include anxiety, back pain, blurred vision, bronchitis, conjunctivitis, constipation, decreased sex drive, depression, diarrhea, dimmed vision, dry mouth, facial swelling, fainting, fever, flu or cold symptoms, 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, and weight gain. What are the 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. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Hytrin with Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers (such as Motrin and Naprosyn) or Other blood pressure medications (such as Dyazide, Vasotec, Calan, and Verelan). Are there any 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, and 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 call your doctor without delay. The condition can lead to impotence if not treated immediately. |
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