Doxazosin is in a class of medications called alpha-blockers. Doxazosin is used in men to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), which include difficulty urinating (hesitation, dribbling, weak stream, and incomplete bladder emptying), painful urination, and urinary frequency and urgency. It is also used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It relieves the symptoms of BPH by relaxing the muscles of the bladder and prostate. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily through the body. Doxazosin works by blocking certain chemicals, which helps to widen blood vessels and ease muscles in your prostate and in your bladder.

Doxazosin comes as a tablet and an extended-release tablet to take by mouth. The doxazosin tablet is usually taken with or without food once a day in the morning or in the evening. Take doxazosin around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully. Take doxazosin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will start you on a low dose of doxazosin and gradually increase your dose, not more than once every 1 to 2 weeks. If you stop taking doxazosin for a few days or longer, call your doctor.

Doxazosin may cause a sudden drop in your blood pressure, which could lead to dizziness or fainting, usually within 2 to 6 hours after you take it. This risk is higher when you first start taking this drug, after your doctor increases your dose, or if you restart treatment after you stop taking it. During these times, avoid situations where you may be injured if you faint. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall. Doxazosin oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking.

Cardura may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

- Headache

- Dizziness

- Tiredness

- Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, lower legs, tongue, face, throat

- Shortness of breath

- Rash itchiness

- Muscle or joint pain or weakness

- Abnormal vision

- Runny nose

- Decreased sexual ability

What is the mechanism of action for Cardura?

In the treatment of BPH, Cardura relaxes a type of muscle in the prostate and at the opening of the bladder. This may improve urine flow and/or decrease BPH symptoms.

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking doxazosin?

If you have liver disease or a history of prostate cancer, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take doxazosin. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to doxazosin or similar medicines such as alfuzosin (Uroxatral), prazosin (Minipress), silodosin (Rapaflo), tamsulosin (Flomax), or terazosin (Hytrin). Doxazosin can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Tell your eye surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medication.

For how long doxazosin stays in your system?

If you stop taking doxazosin, it'll take 4 to 5 days for it to be completely out of your body. However, stopping doxazosin suddenly can make your condition worse.

What should I avoid while taking Cardura?

Cardura may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.