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Doxazosin

 

Doxazosin (generic Cardura) Review

brand name: Cardura
generic names: Doxazosin mesilate, Doxazosin

What are doxazosin tablets?

DOXAZOSIN (Cardura®) is an antihypertensive. Doxazosin lowers, but does not cure, high blood pressure. It works by relaxing your blood vessels. It also can be used to treat enlargement of the prostate gland in men. Generic doxazosin tablets are available.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Liver disorders
  
  
• Disturbance in the levels of blood cells in the blood
  
  
• Skin reactions such as rash and itch
  
  
• Persistent painful erection of the penis (priapism)
  
  
• Impotence
  
  
• Increased need to pass urine
  
  
• Agitation or tremor
  
  
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
  
  
• Blurred vision
  
  
• Dry mouth
  
  
• Increased heart rate
  
  
• Awareness of your heart beat (palpitations)
  
  
• Disturbances of the gut such as nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting or abdominal pain
  
  
• Inflammation of the lining of the nose (rhinitis) causing a blocked or runny nose
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Excessive fluid retention in the body tissues, resulting in swelling (oedema)
  
  
• Feeling weak or fatigued
  
  
• Fainting
  
  
• A drop in blood pressure that occurs when going from lying down to sitting or standing, which results in dizziness and lightheadedness (postural hypotension)
  
  
• Dizziness
  
  

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Special warnings about Cardura

Cardura can cause low blood pressure, especially when you first start taking the medication and when dosage is increased. This can cause you to become faint, dizzy, or light-headed, particularly when first standing up. You should avoid driving or any hazardous tasks where injury could occur for 24 hours after taking the first dose, after your dose has been increased, or if Cardura has been stopped and then restarted.

Cardura may lower blood counts. Your doctor will most likely monitor your blood counts while you are taking this medication.

In rare cases, men taking drugs such as Cardura have developed priapism--a painful, long-lasting erection that persists for hours. This condition can lead to impotence, so if it occurs contact your doctor right away.

Prostate cancer has some of the same symptoms as benign prostatic hyperplasia; your doctor will want to make sure you do not have cancer before starting you on Cardura.

This medication may cause you to become drowsy or sleepy. For this reason, too, driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended.

If you have liver disease or are taking other medications that alter liver function, your doctor will monitor you closely when you take Cardura.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Cardura.

• More common side effects may include:
  Dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, headache

What side effects may I notice from taking Doxazosin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
•difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
•prolonged painful erection of the penis (priapism)
More common:
•dizziness or drowsiness
•fainting spells
•numbness in hands or feet
•palpitations or pounding heart, irregular heartbeat
•swelling of the legs or ankles

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•headache
•nausea
•unusual tiredness

Use with caution in

• Heart failure .
  
  
• Decreased liver function
  
  
• Elderly people