Hytrin is prescribed to treat high blood pressure or urinary symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). It belongs to a class of drugs called alpha blockers, and works by relaxing veins and arteries as well as muscles in the prostate and bladder.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and use Hytrin exactly as prescribed.

• Take with or without food.
• Swallow whole. Do not crush or chew.

Some men experience dizziness or fainting when they first start taking Hytrin. Take care when driving, standing for long periods, or during exercise. Getting up quickly from a standing or lying position may worse dizziness.

Hytrin may affect pupils during cataract surgery. Inform your eye doctor that you’re using Hytrin, but don’t stop using it unless directed by a doctor.

Before taking Hytrin, inform your doctor if you have any of the following:

• Liver or kidney disease
• Low blood pressure
• Prostate cancer

Common side effects of Hytrin include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Nausea
• Blurred vision

Contact your doctor if you experience these more serious side effects:

• Light-headedness or fainting
• Erection that’s painful or lasts more than 4 hours
• Pounding heartbeats
• Swelling in hands, ankles, and feet

What should I do if Hytrin is causing me to feel dizzy?

Dizziness is most common when you first start taking Hytrin, and should improve over time. Take care to get up slowly from a lying or sitting position, especially first thing in the morning. Until you’ve adjusted to Hytrin, avoid strenuous exercise, driving, and operating heavy machinery.

How quickly does Hytrin start to work?

Your doctor will start you on a low dose of Hytrin and increase it as necessary. It may take 4 to 6 weeks to notice the full effects of Hytrin.