Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Doxazosin is utilized in men to address the symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). These symptoms may include difficulties in urination, such as hesitation, dribbling, a weak stream, incomplete bladder emptying, painful urination, and increased urinary frequency and urgency. Doxazosin is also employed either independently or in conjunction with other medications to manage high blood pressure.
Belonging to a class of medications called alpha-blockers, doxazosin alleviates the symptoms of BPH by relaxing the muscles in the bladder and prostate. Its effect on high blood pressure is achieved by relaxing blood vessels, facilitating smoother blood flow throughout the body.
Uses and Dosage
Doxazosin is available in tablet and extended-release tablet forms for oral administration. The doxazosin tablet is typically taken with or without food once a day, either in the morning or evening. The doxazosin extended-release tablet is usually taken once a day with breakfast.
Take doxazosin at the same time every day. Take doxazosin precisely as directed—avoid taking more or less than prescribed or increasing the frequency without your doctor’s approval.
Swallow the extended-release tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
Your doctor will initiate treatment with a low dose of doxazosin, gradually increasing it, but not more than once every 1 to 2 weeks. If you miss taking doxazosin for a few days or longer, contact your doctor. In such cases, your doctor may need to restart you on the lowest dose of doxazosin and then gradually increase it.
Doxazosin effectively manages high blood pressure and the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but it does not cure these conditions. It may take a few weeks before you feel the full benefit of doxazosin. Continue taking doxazosin even if you feel well, and do not discontinue the medication without consulting your doctor. Open communication with your healthcare provider is crucial to ensure the safe and effective use of this medication.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- headache
- tiredness
- swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- shortness of breath
- weight gain
- muscle or joint pain or weakness
- abnormal vision
- runny nose
- decreased sexual ability
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- hives
- painful erection of the penis that lasts for hours
Caution
- Before initiating doxazosin, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies to it, other alpha blockers such as prazosin or terazosin, or any other allergies. Inactive ingredients in the product may cause allergic reactions or other issues.
- Provide your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have stomach/intestine problems, heart disease, liver disease, low blood pressure, or certain eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma).
- This drug may induce dizziness or drowsiness. The use of alcohol or marijuana can intensify these effects. Avoid activities requiring alertness, such as driving or using machinery, until you can do so safely.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, particularly dizziness and low blood pressure when changing positions. These side effects can increase the risk of falling.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly necessary, and discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
- This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding to weigh the potential risks and benefits.
Form and Strength
Cardura XL is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Cardura XL tablet:
- 4 mg
- 8 mg
- doxazosin tablet:
- 4 mg
FAQ
Is Cardura a diuretic?
No, Cardura isn’t a diuretic. Cardura is an alpha-1 blocker that helps people urinate by relaxing the prostate and bladder muscles to ease urine flow.
Does Cardura cause weight gain?
Cardura doesn’t seem to cause weight changes. In clinical studies, people who took Cardura didn’t report weight gain.
