Doxazosin: Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, and More

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Highlights for doxazosin

Both a generic version and a brand-name version of the doxazosin oral tablet are now on the market. Brand names: Cardura, Cardura XL.

Doxazosin is only available in tablet form for oral use. The tablet can either have an immediate release or an extended-release, and both are available to you.

The oral tablet form of doxazosin is employed in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) as well as hypertension.

Warnings of vital importance

Caution: doxazosin may lower your blood pressure. If you use this medication, check your blood pressure often. When you stand up after taking this, you may experience symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and vertigo. This happens most frequently when you take the drug for the first time, but it can also take place when your dosage is adjusted by your doctor. Your medical professional will likely begin treating you with the smallest possible dose and then gradually raise it over the course of a few weeks or months.

Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS), often known as cataract surgery warning: IFIS can arise after cataract surgery in patients who are now taking or have previously taken doxazosin. Be sure to let your primary care physician know if you have cataract surgery scheduled in the near future.

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What is the drug doxazosin?

Doxazosin oral tablet is a medication that requires a doctor’s prescription. There is an immediate-release version, as well as an extended-release version.

Cardura (immediate release) and Cardura XL are two brand names for the oral tablet form of doxazosin that are available to consumers (extended-release). A generic variation of the immediate-release formulation is also accessible to customers. In most cases, the cost of generic pharmaceuticals is significantly lower than that of their brand-name counterparts. They might not be offered in the same dose strengths or dosage forms as the corresponding brand-name drug in some instances.

Why it’s put to use

Doxazosin comes in both immediate-release and extended-release versions, and both of these formulations are utilised in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Tablets with the quick release are also used to treat patients who have high blood pressure.

Combination treatment may include the use of doxazosin as one of the components. Because of this, you might need to combine it with other medications.

The workings of it

Alpha-blockers are the category of medications which doxazosin is classified under. A group of different pharmaceuticals that share a common mode of action is referred to as a class of drugs. These medications are frequently prescribed to address illnesses that are analogous to one another.

The active ingredient in doxazosin is able to inhibit the production of specific chemicals, which in turn helps to dilate blood vessels and relax muscles in the prostate and the bladder.

Doxazosin’s adverse effects on the body

Drowsiness may be a side effect of taking doxazosin in tablet form. Be cautious while driving and engaging in other tasks that need alertness until you have a better understanding of how it affects you.

More common side effects

When used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), doxazosin can cause a number of unwanted side effects, the most prevalent of which are the following:

a lowering in the blood pressure

dizziness

a feeling of difficulty breathing

tiredness

abdominal pain

diarrhoea

headache

swelling in your hands, feet, and arms along with the rest of your body

The following are some of the more prevalent adverse effects that might occur when treating high blood pressure:

a lowering in the blood pressure

dizziness

headache

tiredness

nausea

runny nose

swelling in your hands, feet, and arms along with the rest of your body

In the event that these side effects are not severe, it is possible that they will disappear in a matter of days or weeks. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if the symptoms become more severe or if they do not go away.

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Serious adverse effects may result.

If you are experiencing major adverse effects, you should contact your physician as soon as possible. In the event that your symptoms appear to be life-threatening or if you believe you may be experiencing a medical emergency, dial 911 immediately. The following is a list of potentially serious side effects and the symptoms they cause:

Problems with the heart including chest pain as well as a rapid, pounding, or irregular pulse

Priapism (a painful erection that lasts for hours)

The allergic reaction was severe. Among the possible symptoms are:

wheezing

discomfort in the chest

itching

symptoms including puffiness in the cheeks, lips, tongue, or throat

hives

difficulties in breathing or a feeling of being short of breath

Please understand that our intention is to present you with the most recent and pertinent information possible. However, due to the fact that medications have varying effects on different people, we are unable to guarantee that this material covers all of the potential adverse effects. This information is not intended to replace professional medical advice in any way. Always have a conversation about the potential for adverse effects with a healthcare provider who is familiar with your medical history.

There is a possibility that doxazosin will interact with other drugs.

There is a possibility of drug interactions if you are also taking other drugs, vitamins, or herbs at the same time as the doxazosin oral tablet. When one substance alters the functioning of another, this is known as an interaction. This may result in adverse effects or reduce the efficacy of the medication.

Your physician ought to properly manage all of your prescriptions for you in order to help you avoid interactions. It is imperative that you discuss any drugs, supplements, or herbs that you are currently taking with your primary care physician. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about how this medication might interact with other medications that you are currently taking.

The following is a list of examples of medications that may produce adverse reactions when used with doxazosin.

CYP3A4 enzymes that are inhibited by certain drugs

An enzyme called CYP3A4, which is a common enzyme that processes medicines, is responsible for the breakdown of doxazosin. This enzyme can be inhibited by certain medications, which results in an increase in the quantity of doxazosin in your blood. It is critical that you inform your physician of any and all medications you are currently taking, as this will allow them to monitor the effect that doxazosin has when combined with other medications.

Some examples of these medications are as follows:

antifungals like ketoconazole and voriconazole are examples of them.

HIV drugs that suppress proteases, known as protease inhibitors, include ritonavir, saquinavir, and indinavir.

drugs belonging to the macrolide class, such as clarithromycin and erythromycin

Medications for controlling blood pressure

If you take doxazosin in conjunction with any other medication that brings down your blood pressure, you run the increased risk of bringing it down to an unsafe level. The following are some examples of medications that can help reduce your blood pressure:

antagonists of aldosterone include spironolactone and eplerenone, amongst others.

inhibitors of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) include medications like benazepril, lisinopril, enalapril, and fosinopril, among others.

angiotensin receptor blockers (also known as ARBs), which include the medications valsartan, losartan, and candesartan

beta-blockers are medications that include atenolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, and propranolol, among others.

calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine, nifedipine, nicardipine, diltiazem, and verapamil

agents that exert their effects on the central nervous system, such as clonidine, guanfacine, and methyldopa

medications that suppress renin directly, such as aliskiren

Amiloride, chlorthalidone, furosemide, and metolazone are examples of diuretic medications.

vasodilators like hydralazine and minoxidil are commonly used.

isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate, and nitroglycerin transdermal patch are examples of nitrates.

It is possible to nullify the effects of both medications by taking doxazosin in conjunction with other medications that raise your blood pressure. Some examples of these medications are as follows:

decongestants that are classified as sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, oxymetazoline, and phenylephrine

medicines that stimulate the synthesis of red blood cells called erythropoiesis, such as darbepoetin alfa and epoetin alfa

medications that prevent pregnancy, known as contraceptives, include Ethinyl estradiol and Ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel.

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Erectile dysfunction medicines

Doxazosin’s blood pressure-lowering benefits can be amplified when combined with PDE-5 inhibitors, but doing so also raises the chance of adverse reactions. Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors can include things like the following:

tadalafil

sildenafil

avanafil

vardenafil

pharmaceutical treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

It is possible that the effects of doxazosin will be lessened if methylphenidate is also taken at the same time. It’s possible that this will keep your blood pressure at an unhealthy level.

Parkinson’s disease drug

When standing, the use of levodopa in combination with doxazosin can increase the chance of experiencing low blood pressure.

Cancer drug

The combination of amifostine and doxazosin raises the possibility of developing low blood pressure.

Medications made from herbs

It is possible to lessen the effectiveness of doxazosin by combining it with yohimbine or other herbs that have the potential to raise blood pressure. It’s possible that this will keep your blood pressure at an unhealthy level.

Antidepressants

While combined, certain antidepressants and doxazosin can raise the chance of experiencing low blood pressure when rising from a seated or laying position after having been in either of those positions. Some examples of these medications are as follows:

duloxetine

MAOIs, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, include the following:

isocarboxazid

phenelzine

tranylcypromine

selegiline

Intermittent claudication medication

Taking doxazosin in conjunction with pentoxifylline may raise the chance of developing low blood pressure.

Please understand that our intention is to present you with the most recent and pertinent information possible. However, because the effects of medications vary from person to person, we are unable to guarantee that this material covers all of the potentially relevant drug interactions. This information is not intended to replace professional medical advice in any way. Always discuss the possibility of drug interactions with your healthcare practitioner before taking any medication, whether it be over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, vitamins, herbs, or supplements.

Warnings regarding doxazosin

The oral tablet form of doxazosin comes with a number of precautions.

Caution: allergens present

A serious allergic reaction is possible when taking doxazosin. Symptoms may include the following:

a difficult time breathing

symptoms including swelling in your throat or tongue

hives

If you have ever experienced an adverse reaction to this medication, you should never take it again. Taking it once again could be your last tragic mistake (cause death).

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Warnings for individuals who have the following health conditions:

For those who have issues with their liver, doxazosin is metabolised in the body by the liver. If you have difficulties with your liver, you may have a higher risk of experiencing adverse consequences.

Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) can occur during cataract surgery in patients who are now taking or have previously taken doxazosin. This condition affects persons who have cataract surgery. If you have cataract surgery scheduled, you need to make sure that your doctor knows that you take this medication.

Cautionary notes for members of other groups

Doxazosin in its extended-release form is not intended for use in female patients, including those who are pregnant. Women are suitable candidates for the immediate-release formulation of the medication. However, not nearly enough research has been conducted on humans to definitively state how doxazosin might influence a developing child when taken by a pregnant woman.

Inform your primary care physician if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant in the near future. Doxazosin should only be taken while pregnant if there is a possibility that the possible benefit will outweigh the possibility that it would harm the developing foetus.

Doxazosin is excreted into breast milk, so nursing mothers should be aware of this fact. It is possible that you and your physician will need to make a decision regarding whether or not you will breastfeed while taking this medicine.

For the elderly: It is important to exercise caution while administering this medication to patients aged 65 and older. When you stand up, your chances of experiencing low blood pressure increase significantly if you are over the age of 65. This can result in a feeling of lightheadedness and dizziness.

Regarding children, it has not been determined whether or not doxazosin is safe and effective for use in individuals younger than 18 years old.

How to take doxazosin

This dose information pertains to the oral tablet version of doxazosin. It’s probable that not all imaginable dosages and forms have been mentioned here. Your dose, the form it takes, and how often you take it will vary depending on the following factors:

your age

the disease or ailment that is being treated

the degree to which your problem is severe

other problems that you suffer from medically

how do you respond when you get your first dosage

How much medication should be used for benign prostatic hyperplasia?

Generic: Doxazosin

Tablets for oral consumption with an instant release formula

Strengths: 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, and 8 mg

Cardura is the brand.

Tablets for oral consumption with an instant release formula

Strengths: 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, and 8 mg

Brand: Cardura XL

Tablets for oral administration with prolonged release

Strengths: 4 mg and 8 mg

Adult dosage (ages 18 to 64 years)

Tablets with a prolonged release:

The typical starting dose is four milligrammes taken once daily with breakfast.

Dosage increases: Three to four weeks after beginning treatment with the drug, your physician may decide to increase your dosage to a maximum of eight milligrammes per day.

When transitioning from tablets with immediate release to tablets with prolonged release, you should begin taking 4 mg of the medication per day. Do not take your evening dose of the immediate-release tablet before you begin taking the extended-release tablet. Taking your evening dose could cause the extended-release tablet not to work properly.

Tablets with an immediate release:

Initial dosing typically consists of one milligramme taken once daily, either in the morning or the evening.

Dosage increases: Your physician may choose to increase your current dosage by 2 mg once every one to two weeks, up to a maximum of 8 mg per day.

Dosage for children (ages 0 to 17 years)

For this age range, a dose that is both safe and effective has not yet been determined.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

It’s possible that your body will process this medication more slowly. It’s possible that your physician will start you out on a lesser dosage so that you don’t end up with an unsafely high level of this drug in your system. If you take too much of the drug, it could put your health at risk.

Indications and dosage for hypertension

Generic: Doxazosin

Tablets for oral consumption with an instant release formula

Strength: 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, and 8 mg

Cardura is the brand.

Tablets for oral consumption with an instant release formula

Strengths: 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, and 8 mg

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

The usual starting dose is 1 milligramme taken once daily.

Increases in Dosage: If your blood pressure warrants it, your physician may decide to up your current dosage to a maximum of 16 milligrammes once daily.

Dosage for children (ages 0–17 years)

For this age range, a dose that is both safe and effective has not yet been determined.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

It’s possible that your body will process this medication more slowly. It’s possible that your physician will start you out on a lesser dose so that you don’t end up with an unsafely high level of this drug in your system. A hazardous level of the substance can be reached in the body when it is taken in excess.

Please understand that our intention is to present you with the most recent and pertinent information possible. However, due to the fact that medications have varying effects on various people, we are unable to guarantee that this list contains all of the possible dosages. This information is not intended to replace professional medical advice in any way. Always with your primary care physician or a pharmacist on the dosages that are appropriate for you.

Take exactly as directed.

Doxazosin oral tablet is a medication that is used on a continuous basis. It is important to follow the instructions exactly, as there are potential side effects otherwise.

If you stop taking the drug altogether or don’t take it at all: Your symptoms may not improve at all, or they may get worse over time. If your condition improved while you were taking the medication regularly but you stop using doxazosin suddenly, your symptoms may return.

You run the risk of not reaping the full benefits of this medication if you skip doses or don’t take it according to the prescribed schedule. You put yourself at a greater risk of suffering major adverse effects if you take your medication more frequently than prescribed or if you take it too close to the time when your next dose is due.

If you take an excessive amount of the medicine, you run the risk of having unsafe quantities of it in your body. The following are some of the symptoms that may accompany an overdose of this drug:

lightheadedness

dizziness

fainting

seizure

drowsiness

Call your physician immediately if you believe that you have taken an unsafe amount of this medication, or consult the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use the resource that they provide on their website. However, if the severity of your symptoms continues to worsen, you should immediately dial 911 or go to the emergency room in the local hospital.

What to do if you forget a dose: If you realise that you have forgotten a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it will just be a few hours until your next dose, you should hold off and only take one dose.

Under no circumstances should you attempt to catch up by taking two doses at once. Because of this, potentially harmful consequences could arise.

How to tell if the medicine is having the desired effect:

As a result of the treatment for BPH, you should find that it is less difficult to urinate and that you feel fewer symptoms of obstruction and irritation.

Regarding having high blood pressure: It is recommended that your blood pressure be lowered. Because people with high blood pressure rarely have symptoms, you should probably get your blood pressure checked to determine whether or not your pressure has decreased.

Considerations that must be made prior to taking doxazosin

If your healthcare provider recommends that you take doxazosin in the form of an oral tablet, keep these things in mind.

General

When you wake up in the morning, take the extended-release pill with your breakfast.

The extended-release form should not be cut or crushed in any way. The immediate-release pill can be broken up into smaller pieces or crushed.

Storage

Keep the temperature between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius (59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit) during storing.

It is important that you do not keep this medication in a place that is going to be wet or damp, such as the restroom.

Refill

This drug requires a prescription, however, it can be refilled. It should not be necessary for you to provide a new prescription in order to have this medication refilled. On your prescription, your physician will indicate the maximum number of refills that are permitted.

Travel

If you are going to travel with your medication, you should:

Always ensure that you have your medication on you. When flying, you should under never circumstances put it in a checked bag. Keep it in the carry-on bag you’re using.

You don’t need to be concerned about the X-ray machines at the airport. They won’t have any negative effects on your medication.

It’s possible that airport employees will ask to see the pharmacy label for the medication you’re carrying with you. Always make sure you have the original container with the prescription label on it.

Do not place this medication in the glove compartment of your vehicle or leave it in the vehicle alone. Make it a point to steer clear of doing this when the temperature is either hot or extremely cold.

Self-management

If your doctor has prescribed this medication for high blood pressure, he or she may advise you to purchase a blood pressure monitor as well. You should take it with you when you leave the clinic so that you can check your blood pressure at home on a regular basis in-between visits.

Clinical monitoring

If your doctor prescribes this medication to treat high blood pressure, he or she will monitor your blood pressure at each appointment to ensure that the treatment is having the desired effect. If your blood pressure is too low, your doctor may reduce your dosage, and if your blood pressure is too high, your dosage may be increased.

Availability

This medication is not available at all pharmacies. Before you go to the pharmacy to fill your prescription, give them a quick call to make sure they have the medication in stock.

Authorization in advance

This medication needs to be pre-authorized in order to be covered by the majority of insurance plans. This indicates that in order for your insurance company to pay for the prescription, your doctor will first need to obtain permission from your insurance company.

Are there any other options available?

There are additional medications that can be used to treat your illness. It’s possible that some will work better for you than others. Talk to your healthcare provider about the possibility of trying out other medications to see if any of them help.