CARDURA - Doxazosin

Cardura Medication Used For

Cardura (Doxazosin) medication is an alpha-adrenergic blocker that causes the blood vessels (veins and arteries) to relax and expand and allows for more blood to pass more easily through them. It is prescribed for the treatment hypertension (high blood pressure). Cardura is also used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). Cardura relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.

Directions for Cardura Medication

For benign enlargement of the prostate in adults the recommended starting dose of Cardura is 1 milligram (mg) once a day, in the morning or in the evening. This may be increased slowly to up to 8 mg once a day. For treatment of high blood pressure in adults, 1 mg of Cardura may be given once a day to start and then increased up to 16 mg once a day. For treatment of children, the use and dose must be determined by the doctor.

How Cardura Medication works

Avoid alcohol while taking Cardura Doxazosin medication as it may cause drowsiness or severely low blood pressure. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities until you know how the medication affects you since it may cause dizziness or drowsiness. It is also advisable to avoid becoming overheated as it may result in low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting. Be careful not to overexert yourself, and use caution in hot weather. Inform your doctor if you have any type of kidney or liver disease as you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during therapy.

Side effects of Cardura Medication

There are some side effects of Cardura Doxazosin. Cardura medication can cause a severe allergic reaction; an increased heartbeat; shortness of breath or chest pain; a prolonged or painful erection; or a rash, all of which should be brought to the attention of a doctor immediately. You may also experience vivid dreams, dizziness or drowsiness, weakness, fatigue, or feeling of not being well, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, or decreased appetite, fluid retention or slight weight gain, joint or muscle aches, headache, irritability, or depression, increased urination, decreased sex drive, or numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, arms or legs.

Other Cardura Medication Information

It is advisable to take the first dose of Cardura at bedtime since it may cause dizziness. Better still if every dose could be taken at bedtime.