Cardura (Doxazosin)

Common uses

This medicine is an alpha blocker used to treat high blood pressure and benign prostatic hyperplasia (bph). It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Do not take this medicine if you are also taking certain medicines for erectile dysfunction such as sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are also taking verapamil. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light. 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.

Cautions

This medicine may cause drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. This medicine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting after the first dose. Take the first dose at bedtime. If you get up during the night, sit up and stand up slowly. Continue to sit up and stand slowly while you are taking this medicine. Be careful during exercise, hot weather, and if you must stand for long periods of time. Before drinking alcohol, discuss it with your doctor. Alcohol may worsen dizziness or lightheadedness.

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness, headache, nausea, drowsiness, lack of energy, dry mouth, or nasal congestion. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience pounding heartbeat, puffiness in hands or feet, or blurred vision. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness and weakness.

Additional information

Do not share this 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.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.