What is Cardura?
Cardura blocks alpha-adrenergic receptors (AL-fa-ad-ren-ER jik). Doxazosin allows blood to flow more freely through your veins. The muscles of the bladder and prostate neck are also relaxed, which makes it easier for you to urinate. Cardura can be used for men suffering from benign prostate hyperplasia or hypertension. Cardura XL is the extended-release form of this medication, and it should only be used for benign prostatic hyperplasia. It shouldn't be used to manage hypertension.
Warnings
Cardura should be avoided if you have an allergy to doxazosin or other similar medications such as tamsulosin, Flomax, or terazosin. Cardura can cause fainting or dizziness, particularly when first taking the medication or starting it up again. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness. Standing for long periods or getting overheated is not recommended during hot weather, exercise, or when exercising. You may get dizzy if you stand up quickly from a seated or lying position.
Cardura can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Inform your eye doctor that you will be using Cardura. You should not stop taking this medication before surgery unless you are told to by your eye surgeon. Call your doctor if you decide to stop using Cardura. It is possible that you need to adjust your dose.
Inform your doctor of all medications that you take, including any diuretics or other drugs for high blood pressure.
Before you take this drug
Cardura should not be used if you have an allergy to doxazosin or other similar medications such as prazosin (Minipress), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), silodosin (Rapaflo), tamsulosin (Flomax), or terazosin (Hytrin).
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure Cardura will be safe for you:
- A blockage of your digestive system (stomach, intestines);
- Constipation severe;
- Liver disease
- Low blood pressure
Cardura can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Inform your surgeon that you will be using Cardura. Cardura should not be stopped before eye surgery unless you are told to by your doctor.
Unknown is whether doxazosin can harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor of any pregnancy or plans to get pregnant. There is no way to know if doxazosin can pass into the breast milk or whether it would harm a baby who was nursing. Cardura should be taken with food.
How to take Cardura?
Follow the directions on your prescription label. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Your dose may be changed by your doctor from time to time. Use this medication only as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dose or use it for longer.
Cardura can cause fainting or dizziness, particularly when first taking the drug or when taking it for a second time. When you wake up, it is possible to feel dizzy. When standing up or sitting down after lying in a position, be careful. If you feel dizzy or like you may pass out, call your doctor. Cardura may require frequent blood pressure and prostate checks.
Ask your doctor if you want to resume Cardura if you have stopped taking it for some reason. It is possible that you need to adjust your dose.
Even if you're feeling well, continue to take your medicine if you have high blood pressure. In many cases, high blood pressure has no obvious symptoms. Blood pressure medication may be needed for life. Keep away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as possible, take the missed dose. If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose. Call your doctor if you have missed several doses in a row. It is possible that you need to take a smaller dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. There are many symptoms of overdose, including extreme dizziness and fainting.
What should be avoided?
Cardura can impair thinking and reactions. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that demands alertness. You may get dizzy if you stand up quickly from a seated or lying-down position. To avoid falling, get up slowly. Avoid standing or getting too hot during an exercise session and/or in warm weather. Alcohol consumption can have side effects when taken with this medication.
Side effects of Cardura
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy to Cardura, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue.
If you experience:
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Severe stomach pain and bloating.
- Chest pain that is new or getting worse
- Trouble breathing
- A penis erection that is painful and lasts for 4 hours or more.
Cardura can cause a number of side effects.
- Low blood pressure, dizziness;
- Drowsiness;
- Headache
- Feeling weak or tired
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:
First dose: orally, 1 mg once daily.
Maintenance dose: between 1 and 16 mg taken orally, once daily.
Adult dose for benign prostatic hyperplasia (Hyperprostatic Hyperplasia):
Initial dose:
Immediate release: orally, 1 mg once daily.
Oral extended-release: Take 4 mg with your breakfast.
Maintenance dose:
Instant-release: Orally, 1–8 mg once daily.
Oral extended-release dose: 4–8 mg once daily with breakfast. The maximum dose recommended is 8 mg, but this can be adjusted based on the patient’s response to the medication and their tolerance. Titration is recommended every 3–4 weeks.
When switching to extended-release tablets from immediate-release tablets, the therapy should begin with the lowest dosage (4 mg daily). Before starting Cardura extended-release tablet therapy, it is important to not take the last evening dose of immediate-release tablets. Cardura Extended-Release Tablets should not be taken for several days if the therapy is stopped.
The usual dose for hypertension in older adults is: First dose: orally, 0.5mg once per day.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.
- Antibiotics;
- Antidepressants are a type of medication.
- Medicine to treat HIV/AIDS
- Sildenafil, also known as Viagra (Viagra), or any other medication for erectile disorder
The list above is not exhaustive. Including prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and vitamin products, other drugs can interact with doxazosin. This medication guide does not list all interactions.
