Doxazosin

Drug Name

Doxazosin

Drug Uses

Doxazosin is an alpha-blocker that relaxes blood vessels and is used for treating high blood pressure and treating symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

How it is taken

Doxazosin can be taken by mouth with or without food. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

It may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure after you take the first dose. So maintain caution when you sit up or stand.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Doxazosin is an alpha blocker that works by relaxing muscles in the blood vessels around the urethra and this improves urinary symptoms.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Doxazosin, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances.

Doxazosin may cause drowsiness. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.

Hot weather, exercise, alcohol and fever may aggravate the chances of lightheadedness while using the drug. If this happens then sit up and stand up slowly, especially during the morning.

Patients who use medications for blood pressure have a feeling of being tired or run down. But do not stop taking the medication for the entire duration of treatment even if you do not feel well in the first few weeks.

Avoid situations which can injure or bruise you.

In rare cases, it may cause a painful erection also known as priapism. This condition may occur randomly and needs to be treated immediately to prevent permanent damage to the penis.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or similar medicines (e.g., prazosin)

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Doxazosin and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether is secreted Doxazosin in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Periodic lab tests including blood pressure may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of back pain, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, feeling of a whirling motion, flu-like symptoms, headache, indigestion, lightheadedness, nasal congestion, nausea, pain, stomach pain, swelling, tiredness. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), blurred vision, chest pain, fainting, painful and prolonged penile erection, pounding in the chest, puffiness in hands or feet, swelling of eyelids.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.

More Information

Doxazosin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.