TERAZOSIN HCL

Drug Name: TERAZOSIN HCL

TERAZOSIN HCL DESCRIPTION:
TERAZOSIN - ORAL CAPSULE (teh-RAY-zoh-sin)

COMMON TERAZOSIN HCL BRAND NAME(S):
Hytrin

TERAZOSIN HCL 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. This medication may rarely cause impotence. Inform your doctor if you develop: chest pain, difficulty breathing, skin rash, 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 TERAZOSIN HCL and seek immediate medical attention. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE TERAZOSIN HCL:
TERAZOSIN HCL: Take TERAZOSIN HCL 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. Capsules may be taken with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. It is important to continue taking TERAZOSIN HCL even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taking TERAZOSIN HCL without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

TERAZOSIN HCL USES:
Terazosin relaxes and opens blood vessels. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). In males, it is used for symptoms of prostate enlargement such as urinary hesitancy and/or urgency.

TERAZOSIN HCL PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking TERAZOSIN HCL, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease. To avoid dizziness or fainting, get up slowly from a lying or seated position; especially when you first start using TERAZOSIN HCL 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 TERAZOSIN HCL. Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. TERAZOSIN HCL should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.

TERAZOSIN HCL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription). Avoid any drugs that increase your heart rate or make you excited like decongestants because it may counteract your blood pressure medicine. Decongestants are commonly found in over-the-counter cough and cold products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

TERAZOSIN HCL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness and weakness.

TERAZOSIN HCL NOTES:
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking TERAZOSIN HCL. Learn how to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.

MISSED TERAZOSIN HCL 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.

TERAZOSIN HCL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) away from heat and moisture. Capsules stored at higher than recommended temperatures may soften or melt. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.