Doxazosin is an alpha-adrenergic blocker used to treat hypertension. It can also be used to increase urination in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Doxazosin can be taken as an immediate release tablet and extended release tablet. In the following short article we discuss the brand name, uses, dosage, mechanism of action, and side effects of doxazosin.
What Is Doxazosin?
Doxazosin is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha-adrenergic blockers. It helps to relax veins to allow blood to pass through them more easily. Doxazosin is used to treat hypertension and to improve urination in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Doxazosin Mechanism of Action
Doxazosin works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can pass through them more easily. It decreases standing and supine blood pressures and relieves the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy through the inhibition of alpha-1 receptors.
Doxazosin Brand Name
Doxazosin is available as the brand name drugs Cardura as an immediate release tablet and Cardura XL as an extended release tablet.
Doxazosin Uses
Doxazosin is used to lower blood pressure. High blood pressure can put stress on the arteries and kidneys. If high blood pressure is not treated, it can lead to serious conditions including heart attack and stroke. Doxazosin can also be used to treat hypertension and to improve urination in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Doxazosin Dosage
Doxazosin is available as an oral tablet as an oral solution. The recommended dosage for doxazosin can vary based on a variety of factors including:
- Your age
- Your weight
- Your condition
- Your response to your first dose
Adult Dose for Hypertension:
Initial dose: 1 mg orally once a day.
Maintenance dose: 1 to 16 mg orally once a day.
Adult Dose for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia:
Initial dose:
Immediate-release: 1 mg orally once a day.
Extended-release: 4 mg orally once a day with breakfast
Maintenance dose:
Immediate-release: 1 to 8 mg orally once a day.
Extended-release: 4 to 8 mg orally once a day with breakfast. Depending on the patient's response, the dose may be increased to 8 mg (the maximum recommended dose).
Doxazosin Warnings
Doxazosin can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Do not stop using this medicine before surgery unless your surgeon tells you.
You should not use doxazosin if you are allergic to doxazosin or similar medicines such as alfuzosin, prazosin, silodosin, tamsulosin, or terazosin. In some cases, doxazosin can cause dizziness and fainting. Do not take doxazosin immediately before driving or any other activity that requires consistent focus.
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially other blood pressure medications including diuretics (water pills).
Doxazosin Side Effects
Doxazosin does have a few associated side effects, some of which are more serious and less common than others.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of doxazosin include the following:
- Lightheadedness
- Tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling of the hands, feet, arms, and legs
Serious Side Effects
Some side effects of doxazosin are more serious and severe. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects of an extended period of time.
- Heart problems such as chest pain or rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Itching
- Hives
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat
- Breathing problems or shortness of breath
Disclaimer: Here at Manifest Pharmacy, our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.
Doxasozin Dosage, Uses, Mechanism Of Action & Side Effects Summary
Doxazosin is an alpha-adrenergic blocker used to treat hypertension. It can also be used to increase urination in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Doxazosin can be taken as an immediate release tablet and extended release tablet. It is available as the brand name drugs Cardura and Cardura XL.
