Doxazosin (By Mouth)

Doxazosin (dox-AY-zoe-sin)

Treats high blood pressure and other conditions such as enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH).

Brand Name(s):

Cardura
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to doxazosin or to similar medicines such as prazosin (Minipress®) or terazosin (Hytrin®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• You may feel dizzy or lightheaded, and fainting may occur with your first dose of doxazosin. Take your first dose at bedtime unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney or liver disease, have ever had a stroke, or plan to have surgery.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)
• Fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Painful, prolonged erection of the penis, not caused by sexual arousal
• Problems with urination
• Stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark-colored urine
• Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Breast enlargement or swelling
• Joint or muscle pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Problems having sex
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sweating
• Tiredness
• Weight gain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.