Drug Name

Cardura (Doxazosin)

Drug Uses

Cardura is used for treating high blood pressure and treating signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

How to use

Use Cardura as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Cardura by mouth with or without food.
Cardura may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure after the very first dose. Take your first dose at bedtime. If you get up during the night, sit up slowly, then stand slowly.
Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your doctor. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Treating high blood pressure and treating signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Cardura is an alpha-blocker. It works by relaxing muscles in the blood vessels resulting in lowering of blood pressure. In BPH, alpha-blockers work by relaxing muscles around the urethra (the tube that drains urine from the bladder), which improves urinary symptoms.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If you are taking 1 dose daily and do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store in a dry place at 30 degrees C (86 F).

Warnings/Precautions

Tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have prostate cancer, low blood pressure, kidney problems, or liver disorders.

• Cimetidine or verapamil because side effects such as dizziness and lightheadedness may occur.
• Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (eg, vardenafil) because severe low blood pressure may occur.

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Back pain; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; feeling of a whirling motion; flu-like symptoms; headache; indigestion; lightheadedness; nasal congestion; nausea; pain; stomach pain; swelling; tiredness.

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision; chest pain; fainting; painful and prolonged penile erection; pounding in the chest; puffiness in hands or feet; swelling of eyelids.

More Information

Do not share the medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.