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February 8, 2012

doxazosin mesylate, Cardura

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GENERIC NAME: doxazosin mesylate

BRAND NAME: Cardura

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Doxazosin is an oral drug used for treating high blood pressure and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland). It belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-1 adrenergic blockers. Other drugs in this class include alfuzosin (Uroxatral), terazosin (Hytrin), tamsulosin (Flomax), silodosin (Rapaflo), and prazosin (Minipress). Doxazosin prevents norepinephrine that is released by nerves from binding to alpha-1 receptors on smooth muscle surrounding blood vessels and in the prostate and bladder. By blocking the effect of norepinephrine, doxazosin relaxes the smooth muscle. Relaxation of the smooth muscle surrounding blood vessels causes them to enlarge (dilate) and thereby reduces blood pressure. Relaxation of smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder improves the flow of urine and reduces the pain and discomfort characteristic of BPH. The FDA approved doxazosin in November 1990.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 1, 2, 4, and 8 mg. Tablets (Extended Release): 4, 8 mg

STORAGE: Doxazosin should be stored at room temperature, 15-30 C (59-86 F).

PRESCRIBED FOR: Doxazosin is used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

DOSING: The recommended dose of doxazosin for hypertension is 1-16 mg daily. The recommended dose for benign prostatic hyperplasia is 1-8 mg daily.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Vardenafil (Levitra) or tadalafil (Cialis) and doxazosin have additive blood pressure lowering effects. Combining vardenafil or tadalafil (Cialis) with doxazosin may cause excessive blood pressure reduction.

PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies of doxazosin in pregnant women.

NURSING MOTHERS: There are no adequate studies of doxazosin in nursing mothers.

SIDE EFFECTS: Common reactions include dizziness, fatigue, headache, shortness of breath, diarrhea, abdominal pain, edema (fluid accumulation) and low blood pressure. Doxazosin causes significant reduction in blood pressure after administration of the first dose (first dose effect). This reduction in blood pressure may be associated with dizziness and fainting, especially when rising from a sitting position. To avoid this, patients should rise slowly from a sitting position, start treatment with the 1 mg dose, and then doses should be adjusted upwards slowly. Priapism (painful, prolonged penile erection) and a reduction in white blood cells have been associated with doxazosin.

Doxazosin can cause intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) during cataract surgery. Patients should inform their eye surgeon that they are taking doxazosin.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information


Last Editorial Review: 7/13/2010




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doxazosin mesylate, Cardura

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (HBP) or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre-hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high.

The top number, the systolic blood pressure, corresponds to the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood forward into the arteries. The bottom number, the diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure reflects the lowest pressure to which the arteries are exposed.

An elevation of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure increas...

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