Cardura

Cardura

     * Generic Name: doxazosin mesylate
     * Brand Name: Cardura


     * What is doxazosin (Cardura, Cardura XL)?
     * What are the possible side effects of doxazosin (Cardura,
       Cardura XL)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       doxazosin (Cardura, Cardura XL)?
     * What should I discuss with my doctor before taking doxazosin
       (Cardura, Cardura XL)?
     * How should I take doxazosin (Cardura, Cardura XL)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Cardura, Cardura XL)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Cardura, Cardura XL)?
     * What should I avoid while taking doxazosin (Cardura, Cardura
       XL)?
     * What other drugs will affect doxazosin (Cardura, Cardura XL)?
     * Where can I get more information (Cardura, Cardura XL)?

What is doxazosin (Cardura, Cardura XL)?

   Doxazosin is an alpha-adrenergic (AL-fa ad-ren-ER-jik)
   blockers. Doxazosin relaxes your veins and arteries so that blood can
   more easily pass through them. It also relaxes the muscles in the
   prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.

   Doxazosin is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure),
   or to improve urination in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia
   (enlarged prostate).

   The extended-release form of doxazosin (Cardura XL) is for use only in
   treating benign prostatic hyperplasia and should not be used to
   treat hypertension.

   Doxazosin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of doxazosin (Cardura, Cardura XL)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
     * severe ongoing stomach pain or bloating;
     * new or worsening chest pain;
     * trouble breathing; or
     * a penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.

   Common side effects may include:
     * low blood pressure, dizziness;
     * drowsiness;
     * headache; or
     * feeling weak or tired.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about doxazosin
(Cardura, Cardura XL)?

   Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of
   your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies,
   and all medicines you use.

   Cardura Patient Information including How Should I Take
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Salt Quiz!
   Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started

   Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking doxazosin (Cardura,
Cardura XL)?

   You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to doxazosin or
   similar medicines such as alfuzosin (Uroxatral), prazosin
   (Minipress), silodosin (Rapaflo), tamsulosin (Flomax), or
   terazosin (Hytrin).

   To make sure doxazosin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
     * a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
     * severe constipation;
     * liver disease; or
     * low blood pressure.

   Doxazosin can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Tell your
   eye surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medication. Do
   not stop using doxazosin before surgery unless your surgeon tells you
   to.

   It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell
   your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

   It is not known whether doxazosin passes into breast milk or if it
   could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this
   medicine.

How should I take doxazosin (Cardura, Cardura XL)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or
   smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   Doxazosin lowers blood pressure and may cause dizziness or
   fainting, especially when you first start taking it, or when you
   start taking it again.

   You may feel very dizzy when you first wake up. Be careful when
   standing or sitting up from a lying position.

   Call your doctor if you have severe dizziness or feel like you might
   pass out.

   While using doxazosin, your blood pressure or prostate may need to be
   checked often.

   If you stop taking doxazosin for any reason, ask your doctor before you
   start taking it again. You may need a dose adjustment.

   If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this
   medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no
   symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of
   your life.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Cardura Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Salt Quiz!
   Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started

   Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose (Cardura, Cardura XL)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

   If you miss your doses for several days in a row, call your doctor
   before restarting the medication. You may need a lower dose.

What happens if I overdose (Cardura, Cardura XL)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

   Overdose symptoms may include extreme dizziness or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking doxazosin (Cardura, Cardura XL)?

   Doxazosin may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you
   drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

   Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may
   feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

   To prevent dizziness, avoid standing for long periods of time or
   becoming overheated during exercise and in hot weather.

   Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

What other drugs will affect doxazosin (Cardura, Cardura XL)?

   Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or
   stop using, especially:
     * an antibiotic;
     * an antidepressant;
     * medicine to treat HIV or AIDS; or
     * sildenafil (Viagra) or other erectile dysfunction
       medicines.

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with doxazosin,
   including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
   herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
   medication guide.

Where can I get more information (Cardura, Cardura XL)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about doxazosin.
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