DOXAZOSIN
About
DOXAZOSIN belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-blockers used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). Hypertension is a condition in which the force exerted by the blood against the artery walls becomes so high that it causes health problems, such as heart disease. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a condition in men that causes enlargement of the prostate gland.
DOXAZOSIN contains Doxazosin which works by blocking alpha receptors on the muscle in the walls of the blood vessel. Thereby, it relaxes and widens blood vessels so that blood passes through them more easily. This helps to lower blood pressure.
Take DOXAZOSIN as prescribed. Your doctor will advise you on how often you take DOXAZOSIN based on your medical condition. Sometimes, DOXAZOSIN may cause side effects such as dizziness, weakness, headache, cough, back pain, stomach pain, dry mouth, heartburn or indigestion. Most of these side effects of DOXAZOSIN do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Doxazosin, prazosin, terazosin or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. DOXAZOSIN is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established. If you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking DOXAZOSIN. DOXAZOSIN is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers unless advised by a doctor. Drive only if you are alert after taking DOXAZOSIN, as it may cause weakness or dizziness. If you are about to undergo cataract eye surgery, inform your eye specialist that you are taking or have previously used DOXAZOSIN.
Uses of DOXAZOSIN
Medicinal Benefits
DOXAZOSIN contains Doxazosin used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It works by blocking alpha receptors on the muscle in the walls of the blood vessels. Thereby, it relaxes and widens blood vessels so that blood passes through them more easily. This helps to lower blood pressure. Also, it relaxes muscles around the bladder exit and prostate gland. Thus, it helps to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) by making it easier to pass urine and empty the bladder.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of DOXAZOSIN
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Headache
- Cough
- Back pain
- Stomach pain
- Dry mouth
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Doxazosin, prazosin, terazosin or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. DOXAZOSIN is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established. If you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking DOXAZOSIN. DOXAZOSIN is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers unless advised by a doctor. Drive only if you are alert after taking DOXAZOSIN as it may cause weakness or dizziness. If you are about to undergo cataract eye surgery, inform your eye specialist that you are taking or have previously used DOXAZOSIN as it may cause complications during the surgery. DOXAZOSIN may cause persistent painful erections very rarely. However, if this happens, contact a doctor immediately.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: DOXAZOSIN may interact with antibiotics (clarithromycin, telithromycin), antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole), anti-HIV drugs (nelfinavir, saquinavir, indinavir, ritonavir), antidepressant (nefazodone) and medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction (sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Avoid taking DOXAZOSIN if you have a history of orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing up from sitting or lying position), have anuria (body is not producing any urine) or overflow incontinence (you do not feel the urge to urinate) with or without kidney problems, have enlarged prostate gland with any blockage or congestion in the urinary tract, a longstanding infection of the urinary tract or have bladder stones. If you have liver or heart disease, inform your doctor before taking DOXAZOSIN.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption with DOXAZOSIN as it may increase the blood pressure-lowering effect of DOXAZOSIN and cause dizziness or light-headedness.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorLimited information is available on the safety of DOXAZOSIN in pregnant women. Therefore, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast Feeding
cautionSmall amounts of Doxazosin may be excreted in human milk. Therefore, DOXAZOSIN is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers unless advised by a doctor.
Driving
cautionDOXAZOSIN may cause dizziness or weakness in some people. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel dizzy or weak after taking DOXAZOSIN.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you are suffering from or have a history of liver diseases/conditions, inform your doctor before taking DOXAZOSIN. Your doctor may adjust the dose or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you are suffering from or have a history of kidney diseases/conditions, inform your doctor before taking DOXAZOSIN. Your doctor may adjust the dose or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeDOXAZOSIN is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a low-salt diet and minimize eating processed foods as they contain more sodium. Try to replace salt with spices or herbs to add flavour to the food.
- Do regular exercise such as cycling, walking, jogging, dancing, or swimming for a minimum of 30 minutes per day.
- Chronic stress may also cause high blood pressure. Therefore, avoid stress triggers and make time for yourself to relax and do activities that you enjoy.
- Maintain a diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid-containing foods in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil, which may help in lowering high blood pressure.
- Quit smoking and avoid the consumption of alcohol.
Special Advise
- Regular monitoring of blood pressure is recommended at the beginning of treatment with DOXAZOSIN to reduce the possibility of orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing up from sitting or lying position).
- Before starting treatment with DOXAZOSIN, your doctor may perform tests to rule out other conditions, such as prostate cancer, that may cause the same symptoms as benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate gland).
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertension: Blood pressure is the measurement of the heart's force to pump blood to all parts of the body. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a chronic condition in which blood pressure is too high. This condition can lead to hardened arteries (blood vessels), decreasing the blood and oxygen flow to the heart. Raised blood pressure can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack (when the blood supply to the heart is blocked). Additionally, high blood pressure also causes brain damage (stroke) and kidney failure. High blood pressure can be diagnosed with the help of a blood pressure monitor or sphygmomanometer. Systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart pumps blood out. On the other hand, diastolic pressure is the pressure when your heart is at the resting stage between heartbeats. If your blood pressure is 140/90 mm of Hg, it means the systolic pressure is 140 mm of Hg, and diastolic pressure is 90 mm of Hg. Normal blood pressure lies between 90/60 mm of Hg and 120/80 mm of Hg. If the blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or greater, it is considered high blood pressure.
FAQs
DOXAZOSIN contains Doxazosin, an alpha-blocker that works by blocking alpha-receptors present on the muscle in the walls of the blood vessels. Thereby, it relaxes and widens blood vessels so that blood passes through them more easily. This helps to lower blood pressure.
DOXAZOSIN may be used to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland, such as frequent urination or difficulty passing urine. DOXAZOSIN contains Doxazosin which works by relaxing muscles around the bladder exit and prostate gland. Thus, it makes it easier to pass urine and empty the bladder.
DOXAZOSIN may cause dizziness when standing up from sitting or lying position suddenly due to low blood pressure, especially when you start taking DOXAZOSIN. Therefore, to avoid such effects, it is advised to stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is recommended by your doctor at the beginning of therapy to reduce the possibility of such effects.