DRUG DESCRIPTION

Doxazosin belongs to a group of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers. Brand names are Cardura and Carduran. The primary effect of this blockage causes the blood vessels (veins and arteries) to relax and expand, improving blood flow more easily through the body.

Doxazosin is used to treat hypertension or high blood pressure. It may be used alone or in combination with diuretics, beta-adrenergic blocking agents, calcium channel blockers or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.

This drug can also be used in males for prostate enlargement or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms which include difficulty urinating (hesitation, dribbling, weak stream, and incomplete bladder emptying), painful urination, and urinary frequency and urgency. It relaxes muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.

PRECAUTIONS

Doxazosin can affect the pupils of your eyes during cataract surgery. So If you have cataract surgery while you are taking doxazosin, inform the surgeon ahead of time. Do not stop using the medication before surgery unless your surgeon advise you to.

Tell your doctor if you have angina (chest pain); low blood pressure; or if you have or have ever had prostate canceror liver disease; If you are taking the extended-release tablet or constipation before taking doxazosin. You may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during therapy. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether doxazosin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Inform also your doctor if you have any allergies or other medical history especially of liver or kidney disease, short bowel syndrome (a condition where more than half of the small intestine has been removed by surgery or damaged by disease), or narrowing or a blockage of the intestines. To avoid dizziness or fainting, get up slowly from a lying or seated position; especially when you first start using this drug or if your doctor changes your dosing. Limit your intake of alcohol and avoid getting overheated because they may increase the dizziness and drowsiness effects of this drug.

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION

Take this medication exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Take the first dose at bedtime to minimize the chances of getting dizzy or fainting. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure or prostate will need to be checked on a regular basis.

Maximum reductions in blood pressure usually occur 2 to 6 hours after dosing and are associated with a small increase in standing heart rate. Doxazosin has a greater effect on blood pressure and heart rate in the standing position. Tolerance has not been observed in long-term therapy.

HOW SUPPLIED & STORAGE

CARDURA (doxazosin mesylate) is available as colored tablets for oral administration. Each tablet contains doxazosin mesylate equivalent to 1 mg (white), 2 mg (yellow), 4 mg (orange) or 8 mg (green) of the active constituent, doxazosin. Recommended Storage: Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F).