Generic name: Doxazosin
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Cardura XL?
Doxazosin is an alpha-adrenergic (AL-fa ad-ren-ER-jik) blockers. Doxazosin relaxes your veins and arteries so that blood can more easily pass through them. It also relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.
Doxazosin is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), or to improve urination in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).
The extended-release form of doxazosin (Cardura XL) is for use only in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia and should not be used to treat hypertension.
Doxazosin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to doxazosin or similar medicines such as alfuzosin (Uroxatral), prazosin (Minipress), silodosin (Rapaflo), tamsulosin (Flomax), or terazosin (Hytrin).
To make sure doxazosin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
- severe constipation;
- liver disease; or
- low blood pressure.
Doxazosin can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Tell your eye surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medication. Do not stop using doxazosin before surgery unless your surgeon tells you to.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether doxazosin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How should I use Cardura XL
Use Cardura XL (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Doxazosin lowers blood pressure and may cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you first start taking it, or when you start taking it again.
You may feel very dizzy when you first wake up. Be careful when standing or sitting up from a lying position.
Call your doctor if you have severe dizziness or feel like you might pass out.
While using doxazosin, your blood pressure or prostate may need to be checked often.
If you stop taking doxazosin for any reason, ask your doctor before you start taking it again. You may need a dose adjustment.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
If you miss your doses for several days in a row, call your doctor before restarting the medication. You may need a lower dose.
Cardura XL side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- severe ongoing stomach pain or bloating;
- new or worsening chest pain;
- trouble breathing; or
- a penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.
Common side effects may include:
- low blood pressure, dizziness;
- drowsiness;
- headache; or
- feeling weak or tired.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Cardura XL?
Doxazosin may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
To prevent dizziness, avoid standing for long periods of time or becoming overheated during exercise and in hot weather.
Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.