Cardura XL (Doxazosin ER)

Information about Cardura XL (Doxazosin ER) 

Cardura XL is an extended-release formulation of doxazosin, designed to manage hypertension (high blood pressure) and symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate condition. The extended-release (ER) formulation allows for once-daily dosing, providing a controlled release of the medication over a 24-hour period.

Product Highlights

• Provides sustained release for once-daily dosing, improving adherence and managing symptoms effectively.
• Cardura XL tablets are available in these strengths to accommodate varying patient needs and allow for flexible dosing adjustments based on individual response and tolerance.
• Used to lower high blood pressure.
• Provides relief from symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

Key Ingredient

• Doxazosin

Key Benefits

• Provides a controlled release of the medication over a 24-hour period, allowing for once-daily dosing.
• Helps manage and lower high blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications.
• Eases symptoms of an enlarged prostate, such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, and urgency, by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck.
• Once-daily dosing can improve patient compliance compared to medications requiring multiple doses per day.

Direction of Use

• For hypertension: Typically starts at 4 mg once daily, with a possible increase up to a maximum of 8 mg daily based on individual response and tolerability.
• For BPH: Usually starts at 4 mg once daily, with a possible increase to a maximum of 8 mg daily.
• Take orally with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break the tablet as this can affect the extended-release mechanism.
• Take at the same time each day to help remember to use it consistently.

Safety Concerns

• May include dizziness, headache, fatigue, nasal congestion, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Could involve significant drops in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), severe allergic reactions, and liver enzyme abnormalities. Patients should be monitored for these side effects.
• May interact with other medications, including antihypertensives, PDE5 inhibitors, and other alpha-blockers. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.

Avoid Cardura XL (Doxazosin ER) If

• You are allergic to doxazosin or any of its components.
• You have severe liver dysfunction, which may affect how the medication is processed in the body.
• You have a history of severe low blood pressure or conditions that could be worsened by further lowering of blood pressure.
• You have specific heart conditions that could be exacerbated by the use of alpha-blockers.