Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
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.
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.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a repeatedly
elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a systolic pressure above
140 with a diastolic pressure above 90. There are two causes of high blood pressure, primary and secondary. Primary high blood pressure is much more common that secondary and its basic causes or underlying defects are not always known. It is known that a diet high in salt increases the risk for high blood pressure, as well as high cholesterol. Genetic factors are also a primary cause. Secondary high blood pressure is generally caused by another condition such as renal hypertension, tumors, and other conditions. Treatment for high blood pressure is generally lifestyle changes and if necessary, diet.
High blood pressure (hypertension) means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Treatment for high blood pressure include lifestyle modifications (alcohol, smoking, coffee, salt, diet, exercise), drugs and medications such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), alpha blockers, clonidine, minoxidil, and Exforge.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlarged prostate) is very common in men over 50 years of age. This noncancerous enlargement of the prostate can impede urine flow, slow the flow of urine, create the urge to urinate frequently and cause other symptoms like complete blockage of urine and urinary tract infections. Treatment may involve watchful waiting, medication, or surgery.
There are many types of urinary incontinence (UI), which is the accidental leakage of urine. These types include stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and overflow incontinence. Urinary incontinence in men may be caused by prostate or nerve problems. Treatment depends upon the type and severity of the UI and the patient's lifestyle.
People who have bladder spasms, the sensation occurs suddenly and often severely. A spasm itself is the sudden, involuntary squeezing of a muscle. A bladder spasm, or "detrusor contraction," occurs when the bladder muscle squeezes suddenly without warning, causing an urgent need to release urine. The spasm can force urine from the bladder, causing leakage. When this happens, the condition is called urge incontinence or overactive bladder.
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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