Common use

Cardura is an alpha-adrenergic (AL-fa ad-ren-ER-jik) blockers. Doxazosin relaxes your veins and arteries so that blood can more easily pass through them. It also relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate. Cardura is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), or to improve urination in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).

Dosage and direction

Take Cardura exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Precautions

To make sure Cardura is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines); severe constipation; liver disease; or low blood pressure.
Cardura can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Tell your eye surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medication. Do not stop using Cardura before surgery unless your surgeon tells you to.

Contraindications

You should not use Cardura if you are allergic to doxazosin or similar medicines such as alfuzosin (Uroxatral), prazosin (Minipress), silodosin (Rapaflo), tamsulosin (Flomax), or terazosin (Hytrin).

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Cardura: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have: a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; severe ongoing stomach pain or bloating; new or worsening chest pain; trouble breathing; or a penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.
Common Cardura side effects may include: low blood pressure, dizziness; drowsiness; headache; or feeling weak or tired.

Drug interaction

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially: an antibiotic; an antidepressant; medicine to treat HIV or AIDS; or sildenafil (Viagra) or other erectile dysfunction medicines.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. Overdose symptoms may include extreme dizziness or fainting.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep away from children and pets.