Cardura belongs to the family of medications called antihypertensives, specifically the alpha-1 receptor antagonists (alpha blockers). It is used alone or in combination with other drugs to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
This medication is also used in men to treat the symptoms of a prostate gland condition called BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as enlarged prostate). It does not shrink the prostate, but it works by relaxing the muscles in the bladder neck and prostate. Relaxing these muscles leads to relief of symptoms of BPH such as the feeling of needing to urinate frequently or urgently, weak stream, difficulty in beginning the flow of urine, and the need to urinate during the middle of the night.
Directions
Take Cardura exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended adult dose for treatment of high blood pressure ranges from 1 mg to 16 mg daily. The recommended initial dose of doxazosin is 1 mg once daily. The recommended dose for symptoms of enlarged prostate ranges from 1 mg to 8 mg once daily. The recommended initial dose of doxazosin is 1 mg once daily. The dose may be increased to 2 mg a day. After that, the dose can be increased to 4 mg daily, and then 8 mg daily if needed. Cardura should be taken at the same time each day. Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Precautions
Before taking Cardura you should talk with your doctor if you have liver problems, liver failure, cirrhosis, any allergies, prostate cancer, heart disease, congestive heart failure, angina, kidney disease. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. The elderly may be at greater risk for dizziness and low blood pressure while using this drug. Limit alcoholic beverages. It can increase some of the side effects of Cardura.
Contraindications
Do not take Cardura if you are allergic to doxazosin, quinazolines or any ingredients of the medication. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Possible side effect
Get emergency medical help if you have weakness, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, stomach pain, fast heartbeats, feeling lightheaded, fainting, runny nose, sweating, inability to sleep, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, vision changes, anxiety, depression, muscle twitching, nervousness, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, painful penis erection that lasts 4 hours or longer. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.
Drug interactions
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: cimetidine, sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, thiazide diuretics, beta-blockers, alpha-blockers, rituximab. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose
If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are severe dizziness, fainting, weakness.
Storage
Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.
Note
The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.
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