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Doxazosin Consumer Information

DOXAZOSIN

Generic Name: doxazosin (dox AH zoe son)

Brand Names: Cardura

What is the most important information I should know about doxazosin?

• To avoid falling, take the first dose at bedtime. Doxazosin may cause dizziness. It is a good idea to take every dose at bedtime, if possible.
• Use caution when you stand or sit up from a lying position, especially if you wake up during the night. Dizziness may occur when changing positions.
• Do not stop taking this drug suddenly even if you feel better. Stopping suddenly could cause your blood pressure to increase.

What is doxazosin?

• Doxazosin is in a class of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers. Doxazosin causes the blood vessels (veins and arteries) to relax and expand, which allows blood to pass more easily through them.
• Doxazosin is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Doxazosin is also used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). It relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.
• Doxazosin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take doxazosin?

• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have any type of kidney or liver disease. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during therapy with doxazosin.
• Doxazosin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether doxazosin will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• It is also not known whether doxazosin passes into breast milk. For this reason, doxazosin should be avoided if possible during breast-feeding.

How should I take doxazosin?

• Take doxazosin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• The tablets can also be crushed and mixed with liquid or soft food such as pudding or applesauce if you have difficulty swallowing.
• To avoid falling, take the first dose at bedtime. Doxazosin may cause dizziness. It is a good idea to take every dose at bedtime, if possible.
• Use caution when you stand or sit up from a lying position, especially if you wake up during the night. Dizziness may occur when changing positions.
• Do not stop taking this drug suddenly even if you feel better. Stopping suddenly could cause your blood pressure to increase.
• Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. A double dose could cause severely low blood pressure.
• If you miss doses for several days in a row, call your doctor before taking any additional doses. You may need to restart treatment with a lower dose.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of a doxazosin overdose include weakness, dizziness, and fainting; a weak, fast pulse; cold, clammy skin; and possibly loss of consciousness or coma.

What should I avoid while taking doxazosin?

• Avoid alcohol while taking doxazosin. Alcohol may cause drowsiness or severely low blood pressure while taking doxazosin.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities until you know how the medication affects you. Doxazosin may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
• Avoid becoming overheated. Low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting could result. Be careful not to overexert yourself, and use caution in hot weather.