Cardura

Generic Name: Doxazosin

US Brand Name: Cardura

Other Brand/Trade Names: Carduran

Uses

Doxazosin is an alpha blocker used to treat high blood pressure and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Active Ingredients: Doxazosin mesylate

Inactive Ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate and sodium lauryl sulfate

Dosage and Forms

Doxazosin is available as colored tablets for oral use. Take each dose with a full glass of water. To avoid falling, take the first dose of Doxazosin at bedtime. You may wish to continue taking Doxazosin only at bedtime if it causes you to feel light-headed. Take Doxazosin exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Symptoms of Doxazosin overdose may include dizziness and weakness. If the overdose is suspected, contact your doctor or emergency room immediately.

Contraindications and Precautions

Doxazosin is contraindicated to patients with allergy to any of its ingredients, problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption, micturition syncope, postural hypotension, heart failure, prostate cancer, low blood pressure, kidney problems, or liver disorders. Doxazosin is not recommended for children and women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Side Effects

Doxazosin may cause the following side effects: dizziness, postural hypotension, fainting, feeling weak or fatigued, oedema, headache, rhinitis, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain, palpitations, increased heart rate, dry mouth, blurred vision, difficulty sleeping (insomnia), agitation or tremor, increased need to pass urine, impotence, persistent painful erection of the penis (priapism), skin rash or itch, disturbance in the levels of blood cells in the blood, liver disorders.

Interactions

Doxazosin should not be used along with the following: ACE inhibitors, other alpha blockers, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, antipsychotic medicines, baclofen, benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, levodopa, MAOI antidepressants, nitrates, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for impotence.