Hytrin is a medication that treats high blood pressure and benign prostatic hyperplasia (a condition in which your prostate gland is unusually large), says Drugs.com. It works to relax the muscles in your blood vessels and prostate, and promote blood and urine flow. As a precautionary measure, tell your doctor whether you are pregnant or plan to breastfeed. According to the National Library of Medicine, Hytrin's starting dose is 1 mg in the evening for both conditions. However, your doctor will decide the subsequent dosages necessary to treat your individual conditions.
Low Blood Pressure and Fainting Spells
According to the National Library of Medicine, Hytrin can lead to hypotension (low blood pressure) and result in syncope (fainting spells) because not enough blood reaches your brain. Postural hypotension (a condition in which your blood pressure lowers with changes in body position) is another common side effect of Hytrin.
Minor Side Effects
Hytrin's minor side effects include blurry vision, stuffiness or headache. Weakness and a numbness or tingling sensation on your body are other minor side effects of Hytrin, says Drugs.com.
Erection Problems
Hytrin can also cause priapism, a condition characterized by a painful and persistent erection than can last 4 or more hours. The National Library of Medicine says that 2 to 3 dozen cases of priapism have been reported with Hytrin use. Priapism is a medical emergency that can result in permanent sexual dysfunction if left untreated.
Intraoperative Floppy Eye Syndrome
According to the National Library of Medicine, Hytrin can cause intraoperative floppy eye syndrome. This usually becomes obvious during cataract (clouding of your eye lenses) surgery when your iris (colored part of your eye) is loose and can move.
Less Alert
Hytrin can affect your thinking and sense of alertness. Be careful if you decide to drive or participate in things that need your full attention.
Other Physical Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine says that Hytrin can lead to all sorts of pain. You may have pain in your muscles, joints or chest. Hytrin can affect your airways and cause a cough, sore throat, allergies or bronchitis. Hytrin can also lead to an irregular heart rhythm or relaxation of your blood vessels called vasodilation. Diarrhea, constipation, gas, indigestion, vomiting, sweating, urinary tract infections and tinnitus (sensation of sound in your ears) are other side effects of Hytrin.
Member Comments