What is Doxazosin?
Doxazosin, also known as Cardura, is an alpha blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It works by relaxing the muscles in the walls of your blood vessels, so that blood can flow through them more easily. This lowers your blood pressure and relieves symptoms of BPH.
Common Uses of Doxazosin
Doxazosin is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Dosage and Direction
Always follow your doctor's instructions and the directions on your prescription label when taking Doxazosin. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
Precautions
Before taking Doxazosin, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medication, or if you have liver or kidney disease. Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Do not take Doxazosin if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medication will harm an unborn baby.
Contraindications
You should not take Doxazosin if you are allergic to it, or if you have: liver disease; kidney disease; or if you are also taking tamsulosin (Flomax).
Possible Side Effects
Stop taking Doxazosin and call your doctor at once if you have symptoms such as: chest pain, confusion, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest, feeling short of breath, feeling weak or tired, fainting, or swelling in your hands or feet. Common side effects may include: dizziness, headache, tired feeling, stuffy nose, blurred vision, or nausea.
Drug Interactions
Before taking Doxazosin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs: cimetidine (Tagamet); ciprofloxacin (Cipro); diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac); drugs that weaken the immune system, such as cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); or medicine for depression, mental illness, or seizures.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Overdose
If you think you have overdosed on Doxazosin, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: slow heartbeat, fainting, chest pain, weakness, and feeling light-headed or fainting.
Storage
Store Doxazosin at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not keep this medication in the bathroom.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only. The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog post.
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