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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.
General medical information 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.
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 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.
If you 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 you 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.
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.
Possible side effects of Doxazosin If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Doxazosin and seek emergency medical
attention or notify your doctor immediately:
- an
allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your
throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- an increased heartbeat;
- shortness of breath
or chest pain;
- a prolonged or painful erection;
or
- a rash.
Other, less serious side effects
may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Doxazosin
and talk to your doctor if you experience
- vivid
dreams;
- dizziness or drowsiness;
- weakness,
fatigue, or feeling of not being well;
- nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, or decreased
appetite;
- fluid retention or slight weight gain;
- joint or muscle aches;
- headache, irritability,
or depression;
- increased urination;
- decreased
sex drive; or
- numbness or tingling in the hands,
feet, arms or legs.
Side effects other than those
listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any
side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Doxazosin
Talk
to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal supplements,
during treatment with Doxazosin. |
