What is Cardura XL?
Cardura is an alpha-adrenergic blocker (AL-fa-ad-ren ER-jik). This medication relaxes the veins and arteries to allow blood to flow more easily through them. This medicine also relaxes muscles in the bladder, neck, and prostate, which makes it easier to urinate. Cardura XL can be used to treat hypertension in men (high blood pressure) or to improve urination in men with benign prostate hyperplasia.
Cardura XL, the extended-release version of doxazosin, is only for treating benign prostatic neoplasia. It should not be used as a treatment for hypertension. Cardura XL can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Cardura XL
If you experience symptoms indicative of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat - please seek medical assistance immediately.
Cardura XL may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Feeling light-headedness or like you might pass out.
- Severe stomach pain or bloating that persists;
- Chest pain that is new or worsening
- Trouble breathing
- A penis erection that is painful or that lasts for 4 hours or more
Cardura XL can cause the following side effects:
- Low blood pressure, dizziness;
- Drowsiness;
- Headache
- Feeling weak or tired
There may be other side effects. Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects; alternatively, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 if needing advice about reporting adverse events.
Similar/related drugs
Amlodipine, Lisinopril, Metoprolol, Losartan, Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, and Tamsulosin
Warnings
Carefully follow all instructions printed on the label or package of your medication. Also inform your healthcare provider of all medical conditions, allergies and medicines taken by yourself or family members.
Before you take this drug
Cardura XL should not be used if you have an allergy to Cardura XL or other similar medications such as alfuzosin (Uroxatral), terazosin (Hytrin), prazosin (Minipress), silodosin/Rapaflo (Rapaflo), tamsulosin/Flomax (Tamsulosin), or silodosin/Rapafl.
Tell your doctor if:
- A blockage of your digestive system (stomach, intestines);
- Constipation is severe.
- Liver disease
- Low blood pressure
Cardura XL can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Inform your eye surgeon that you use this medication. You should not stop taking this medication before your surgery unless you are told to by your surgeon.
This medicine is not known to harm an unborn child. Inform your physician immediately if you are expecting or planning on becoming pregnant. We do not know if doxazosin can pass into breast milk or if it would harm a baby who is nursing. Breastfeeding mothers should avoid taking this medicine.
How to take Cardura XL?
Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally alter your dosage. Use this medication only as prescribed. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage or take it for longer than prescribed. Cardura XL can cause nausea, dizziness, or fainting. This is especially true when you begin taking the drug or start taking it again.
When you wake up, you may 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. You may need to check your blood pressure and prostate often while using Cardura XL. Ask your doctor if you need to restart Cardura XL after stopping it for any reason. You may require a dosage adjustment.
Even if you're feeling well, continue to take this medication if you have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is often a silent condition. Blood pressure medication may be needed for the rest of your life. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you recall, take the missed dose. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose. Call your doctor before you restart the medication if you have missed several doses in a row. You may require a lower dosage.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms can include dizziness and fainting.
What should be avoided?
Cardura XL can impair your reactions or thinking. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires you to remain alert. Avoid standing up quickly from a seated or lying-down position. You may feel dizzy. To avoid a fall, get up slowly. Avoid standing or getting too hot during exercise or hot weather to prevent dizziness. Cardura XL and alcohol can have side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you are taking any new medications or if you will stop taking any of your current ones.
- Anti-biotic
- Antidepressants are a type of medication.
- Medicine to treat HIV or AIDS
- Sildenafil or other erectile disorder
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs, may interact with doxazosin. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.
