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Medications and Drugs

Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD

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.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information


Last Editorial Review: 2/20/2009




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doxazosin mesylate, Cardura

What is the prostate gland?

The prostate is a small organ about the size of a walnut. It lies below the bladder (where urine is stored) and surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder). The prostate makes a fluid that helps to nourish sperm as part of the semen (ejaculatory fluid).

Prostate problems are common in men 50 and older. Most can be treated successfully without harming sexual function. A urologist is a specialist in diseases of the urinary system, including diagnosing and treating problems of the prostate gland.

How does the doctor detect prostate enlargement?

A doctor usually can detect an enlarged prostate by rectal exam. The doctor also may examine the urethra, prostate, and bladder using a cytoscope, an instrument that is inserted through the penis.

What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is nonmalignant...

Read the Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia article »











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