Drug Name

Cardura (Doxazosin)

Drug Uses

Cardura is used for the control of elevated blood pressure (hypertension) and for benign prostatic hyperplasia (noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland).

How Taken

Cardura should be taken at doses, specifically directed by your physician. This medication can be taken with or without food. Cardura should be taken at the same time each day to maintain proper blood levels. Do not take Cardura within two hours of taking an antacid. If stopped, you must taper the dose.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Cardura is an inhibitor of alpha 1 adrenergic nervous system. It is in a class of drugs, referred to as alpha blockers that includes alfusosin (Uroxatral), terazosin (Hytrin), tamsulosin (Flomax), and prazosin (Minipress). Elevated blood pressure (hypertension) is lowered as the action of these nerves, which promote constriction of blood vessels, is blocked.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If you are taking 1 dose daily and do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store in a dry place at 30 degrees C (86 F).

Warnings/Precautions

Do not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it, or are allergic to any ingredient in this product, or to any similar medicine. Before you hve any medical or dental treatments, energency care, or sergery (especially cataract surgery), tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. Take the first dose at bedtime. If you get up during the night, sit up and stand up slowly. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. This medicine can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness. For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include dizziness, headache, nausea, drowsiness, lack of energy, dry mouth, or nasal congestion. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience pounding heartbeat, puffiness in hands or feet, blurred vision, bloody urine, or if you are unable to control your urination. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

More Information

Do not share the medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extendedperiod of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.