Cardura (Doxazosin Mesylate) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 26, 2012

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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia »

What is the prostate gland?

The prostate is a small organ about the size of a walnut. It lies below the bladder (where urine is stored) and surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder). The prostate makes a fluid that helps to nourish sperm as part of the semen (ejaculatory fluid).

Prostate problems are common in men 50 and older. Most can be treated successfully without harming sexual function. A urologist is a specialist in diseases of the urinary system, including diagnosing and treating problems of the prostate gland.

How does the doctor detect prostate enlargement?

A doctor usually can detect an enlarged prostate by rectal exam. The doctor also may examine the urethra, prostate, and bladder using a cytoscope, an instrument that is inserted through the penis.

What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is nonmalignant...

Read the Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia article »

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Cardura Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking doxazosin (Cardura)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to doxazosin or similar medicines such as prazosin (Minipress), tamsulosin (Flomax), or terazosin (Hytrin).

If you have liver disease or a history of prostate cancer, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take doxazosin.

Doxazosin can affect the pupils of your eyes during cataract surgery. If you have cataract surgery during your treatment with doxazosin, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you take doxazosin. Do not stop using the medication before surgery unless your surgeon tells you to.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking doxazosin, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether doxazosin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take doxazosin (Cardura)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Doxazosin lowers blood pressure and may cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you first start taking it, or when you start taking it again. To avoid falling, take the first dose of doxazosin at bedtime. You may wish to continue taking this medication only at bedtime if it causes you to feel light-headed.

You may feel very dizzy when you first wake up. Be careful when standing or sitting up from a lying position.

If you stopped taking doxazosin for any reason and have started taking it again, you may feel especially dizzy or light-headed after your first few doses.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure or prostate will need to be checked on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Store doxazosin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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