Information about Cardura (Doxazosin)
Cardura is a medication used primarily to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition in which the prostate gland is enlarged. Doxazosin, the active ingredient, is an alpha-1 adrenergic blocker that works by relaxing blood vessels and smooth muscles in the prostate and bladder neck.
Product Highlights
- Cardura is a medication that contains the active ingredient doxazosin.
- It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition characterized by an enlarged prostate. Doxazosin belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha-1 adrenergic blockers.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- Lowers blood pressure, which helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart attack.
- Improves urinary symptoms such as difficulty in urination and frequent urination by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck.
- Beneficial for patients with both hypertension and BPH, addressing both conditions with a single medication.
Direction of Use
- Typically begins with a low dose (e.g., 1 mg) and can be adjusted based on response and tolerability. For hypertension, the dose may be increased as needed, while for BPH, the usual starting dose is 1 mg, which can be adjusted to a maximum of 8 mg daily.
- Take orally with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed or crushed.
- It is important to take the medication at the same time each day to maintain even levels in the bloodstream.
Safety Concerns
- May include dizziness, headache, fatigue, and nasal congestion.
- Potentially include significant drops in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), severe allergic reactions, and liver enzyme abnormalities.
- Can interact with other medications, such as other antihypertensives, PDE5 inhibitors, and other alpha-blockers. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking to avoid interactions.
Avoid Cardura (Doxazosin) If
- You are allergic to doxazosin or any of the inactive ingredients in Cardura.
- You have severe liver impairment, which can affect the metabolism of the drug.
- You have a history of severe low blood pressure or conditions that could be worsened by a significant drop in blood pressure.
- You have specific cardiovascular conditions that could be aggravated by the use of alpha-blockers.
