Doxazosin (Doxazosin Mesylate)


DNX0355.HTM

Doxazosin (By mouth)
Doxazosin (dox-AY-zoe-sin)

This medicine treats benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The regular-release form (such as Cardura®) also treats high blood pressure.

Brand Name(s):Cardura, Doxazosin Mesylate, Cardura XL
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, Long Acting Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
  • While taking the extended-release form of this medicine, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.
  • Cardura® XL should be taken each day with breakfast. The regular-release tablet can be taken in the morning or in the evening, with or without food.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use 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 in a closed container 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 leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Keep all medicine away from 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.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using other medicines such as atazanavir (Reyataz®), clarithromycin (Biaxin®), indinavir (Crixivan®), itraconazole (Sporanox®), ketoconazole (Nizoral®), nefazodone (Serzone®), nelfinavir (Viracept®), ritonavir (Norvir®), saquinavir (Fortovase®, Invirase®), telithromycin (Ketek®), or voriconazole (Vfend®). Tell your doctor if you are also taking medicine to lower blood pressure, such as atenolol, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), lisinopril, metoprolol, quinapril, Accupril®, Cozaar®, Diovan®, Lotrel®, Norvasc®, Toprol®, or Zestril®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have prostate cancer, low blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, abdominal problems such as blocked bowels, or plan to have cataract 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.

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 your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Chest pain.
  • Fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat.
  • Fever, cough, or chills.
  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
  • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
  • Pain on urination, change in how much or how often you urinate, or red or dark brown urine.
  • Painful, prolonged erection of your penis.
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising.
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

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

  • Agitation or nervousness.
  • Breast enlargement or swelling.
  • Changes in vision.
  • Hair loss.
  • Headache, back pain, muscle pain, joint pain, or muscle cramps.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or upset stomach.
  • Problems having sex.
  • Skin rash or itching.
  • Sleepiness.
  • Tingling, prickling, or numbness of the skin.
  • Tiredness or weakness.
  • Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.

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