Hytrin is used to reduce high blood pressure. You can also used medicine alone or in combination with other blood pressure lowering drugs, such as includes HydroDIURIL (a diuretic) or Inderal, a beta blocker. Terazosin belongs to a class of medications known as alpha 1 blockers, it helps in relaxes the smooth muscles of the arteries, the prostate, and the bladder neck. Other alpha blockers in the same class of drugs such as includes doxazosin (Cardura), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), tamsulosin (Flomax), and prazosin (Minipress). Relaxing the smooth muscles around the bladder neck relieves urinary obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate (prostate hypertrophy).
If you are using Hytrin, then discuss the side effects of Hytrin with your doctor and if you feel any develop or change in intensity, then tell your doctor immediately. Side effects of Hytrin may include:
* Difficult or labored breathing
* weakness
* dizziness
* swollen wrists and ankles
* pain in the arms and legs
* nausea

Why is this drug prescribed?

Hytrin tablets contain the active ingredient terazosin, which is a type of drug called an alpha-blocker. Terazosin is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic drug. Terazosin has two quite different uses. It works by blocking alpha receptors in certain areas of the body. Alpha receptors are found on the muscle in the prostate gland. This gland is found only in men and lies at the top of the tube connecting the bladder to the outside. The prostate gland often enlarges with advancing age and presses on the urethra. This can cause symptoms such as difficulty passing urine. By blocking the alpha receptors in the prostate gland, terazosin causes the muscle in the prostate to relax. This allows urine to flow freely past the prostate and relieves the urinary symptoms of this condition. Alpha receptors are also found in the muscle in the walls of blood vessels. By blocking these receptors, terazosin causes the muscle to relax and allows the blood vessels to widen. This lets the blood pass more easily through the blood vessels and hence reduces blood pressure. Terazosin can therefore be used to treat high blood pressure.

Treatments

* Enlarged prostate gland * Mild to moderate high blood pressure.

What side effects can this drug cause?

* Drowsiness * Dizziness * Lack of energy * Swelling of the legs and ankles due to excess fluid retention * Increased need to pass urine * A drop in blood pressure that occurs when going from lying down to sitting or standing, which results in dizziness and lightheadedness * Fainting * Depression * Headache * Dry mouth * Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain * Blurred vision * Erectile problems, including prolonged erection * Decreased sex drive * Increased heart rate * Awareness of your heartbeat * Weight gain * Pins and needles * Shortness of breath