#hytrin

Brand Name: Hytrin

Generic Available

Common Dosage Forms:

Capsules: 1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg

FDA Indications/Dosages:

Treatment of hypertension: Initial dose for all patients is 1 mg at bedtime*. The dose may be slowly increased to achieve the desired blood pressure response. The usual recommended dosage range is 1-5 mg administered once a day; however, some patients may benefit from doses as high as 20 mg/day. Blood pressure should be monitored at the end of the dosing interval to be sure control is maintained throughout the interval. Treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: Initially 1 mg at bedtime. May increase to 10 mg/day.

*If terazosin is discontinued for several days or longer, therapy should be reinstituted using the initial dosage regimen.

Pharmacology/Pharmacokinetics: Terazosin decreases total peripheral resistance by competitively blocking alpha-1-adrenoreceptors. This action results in dilation of arterioles and veins which leads to decreased peripheral resistance and decreased blood pressure. Diastolic pressure is affected more than systolic pressure. In the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, terazosin relaxes smooth muscle in the bladder neck and prostate, resulting in improvements in urine flow rates. Peak plasma levels are reached in about 1 hour, and the half-life is approximately 12 hours. Terazosin undergoes minimal first-pass metabolism and 60% is excreted in the feces. 40% is excreted in the urine, 10% as parent drug. Terazosin is highly bound to plasma proteins.

Drug Interactions: Caution should be used when given with other antihypertensive agents to avoid the possibility of significant hypotension. When adding another antihypertensive or diuretic, dosage reduction and retitration may be necessary.

Contraindications/Precautions: Episodes of syncope have occurred during therapy, especially during the first few doses of therapy or after missing a few doses of maintenance therapy. To decrease the chance of syncope, all patients should be started with 1 mg tablets given at bedtime. If syncope occurs, the patient should be placed in a recumbent position and treated supportively as necessary. Use caution when administering to nursing women. Pregnancy Category C.

Adverse Effects: Asthenia (11%), palpitations (4%), nausea (4%), headache (16%), nasal congestion (6%), peripheral edema (5%), and dizziness (19%).

Patient Consultation:

Do not discontinue or skip therapy without first consulting physician.

Take first dose at bedtime to avoid syncope.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If within 12 hours of the next dose, skip the next dose and return to schedule.

Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

Avoid activities that require alertness for 12 hours following initial dose.

Avoid nonprescription cough, cold, and allergy medications without first consulting pharmacist or physician.