Cardura

Common Name: doxazosin

How does Cardura work?

Doxazosin is used for the treatment of mild to moderate high blood pressure. It may be used alone or in combination with other medications that treat high blood pressure. It works to control blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. It is also used for the treatment of the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlarged prostate). It works to relax the muscles around the neck of the bladder, allowing urine to flow out more freely. It may take up to two weeks for symptoms to improve. Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Cardura?

High blood pressure: For high blood pressure, the adult dose of doxazosin ranges from 1 mg to 16 mg daily, depending on the needs and circumstances of the individual. The recommended initial dose of doxazosin for blood pressure is 1 mg once daily. BPH: For symptoms of enlarged prostate, the dose ranges from 1 mg to 8 mg once daily depending on the needs and circumstances of the individual. The recommended initial dose of doxazosin for BPH is 1 mg once daily. Doxazosin can be taken with or without food. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that this medication be taken on a regular schedule as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not double-up on doses.

What form(s) does Cardura come in?

Cardura® is available in strengths of 1 mg, 2 mg, and 4 mg. 1 mg: Each white tablet, engraved "ASTRA" on one side and "CARDURA" with "1" on the other, contains doxazosin 1 mg. 2 mg: Each white tablet, engraved "ASTRA" on one side and "CARDURA" with "2" on the other, contains doxazosin 2 mg. 4 mg: Each white tablet, engraved "ASTRA" on one side and "CARDURA" with "4" on the other side, contains doxazosin 4 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate, and sodium starch glycolate. This medication does not contain gluten or tartrazine.

What should I NOT take with Cardura?

Anyone with a known allergy to doxazosin or quinazolines should not take this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Cardura?

BPH: Doxazosin therapy does not cure or change the natural course of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlarged prostate). It does not slow down or stop the progression of BPH. Liver: Doxazosin is entirely broken down by the liver and therefore should be taken with caution by those with reduced liver function or by those taking medications that reduce liver metabolism. Low blood pressure: The first or first few doses of doxazosin can cause a marked lowering of blood pressure, especially when moving from a sitting or lying position to a standing position, and may even result in a loss of consciousness. A similar effect can occur if therapy is started again after stopping for more than a few doses. These effects are most likely to occur between two and six hours after the dose. While loss of consciousness due to excessive blood pressure lowering is the most severe side effect of doxazosin, other symptoms of lowered blood pressure such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of sense of balance can occur. Lie down when symptoms of lowered blood pressure occur and be careful when arising from a lying position (move slowly). If dizziness, lightheadedness, or palpitations are bothersome, report them to your doctor so that dose adjustment can be considered. The likelihood of excessive lowering of blood pressure can be reduced by the doctor limiting the initial dose of doxazosin to 1 mg, by increasing the dosage slowly, and by starting any other blood pressure medication with caution. Occupational hazards: Due to the possibility of excessive blood pressure lowering, people taking doxazosin should avoid driving or hazardous tasks for 24 hours after the first dose, after the dose is increased, and when the medication is started again after not taking it for a period of time. They should also avoid situations where injury could result from loss of consciousness. Long-term use: Long-term safety and efficacy (i.e., for more than four years) have not yet been established for the use of doxazosin in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Pregnancy: There are no studies of the effect of using this medication during pregnancy. Doxazosin is not recommended for pregnant women unless the potential benefit outweighs the potential risks. Breast-feeding: It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Nursing women should use caution when taking doxazosin. In general, women should not breast-feed while taking this medication. Children: The use of doxazosin is not recommended for children, as its safety and efficacy have not been established for this age group. Seniors: Doxazosin should be used cautiously by seniors because of the possibility of excessive reduction in blood pressure. There is an age-related trend towards an increased incidence of blood pressure lowering and dizziness in seniors with high blood pressure who take this medication.