Cardura (doxazosin mesylate) is an alpha-1 adrenergic blocker prescription medication clinically proven to manage two significant medical conditions: hypertension (high blood pressure) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It functions by relaxing blood vessels and muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, facilitating smoother blood flow and improved urinary function. This dual-action mechanism makes it a versatile therapeutic option prescribed by healthcare professionals to support long-term cardiovascular and urological health, helping patients achieve better control over their conditions and enhance their overall quality of life.

Features

• Active ingredient: Doxazosin mesylate.
• Available in oral tablet formulations (1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg).
• Class: Selective antagonist of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors.
• Mechanism: Relaxes vascular smooth muscle and smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck.
• Standard prescription medication, not available over-the-counter.

Benefits

• Effectively lowers high blood pressure, reducing the long-term risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems.
• Significantly improves urinary flow and reduces symptoms of BPH, such as hesitancy, weak stream, and nocturia (frequent urination at night).
• Provides a single therapeutic option for patients presenting with both hypertension and BPH.
• Works rapidly to improve urinary symptoms, often within one to two weeks.
• Helps restore daily comfort and uninterrupted sleep by alleviating urinary discomfort and frequency.

Common use

Cardura is primarily prescribed for the treatment of hypertension, either as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive agents such as diuretics or beta-blockers. It is also indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). For BPH, it is suitable for patients who are not candidates for surgery or who have chosen not to undergo surgical intervention. Its use is determined following a thorough clinical assessment to ensure it is appropriate for the patient’s specific health profile.

Dosage and direction

Dosage must be individualized based on the patient’s condition and response. Treatment for both hypertension and BPH is usually initiated with a 1 mg dose taken once daily, preferably at bedtime to minimize the potential for initial side effects like dizziness. The dosage may be gradually increased, typically at 1-2 week intervals, to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. The common maintenance doses range from 2 mg to 8 mg taken once daily. For BPH, the maximum recommended dose is 8 mg. Tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, with or without food. It is critical that patients do not crush or chew the tablets. Adherence to the prescribing physician’s instructions is paramount for safety and efficacy.

Precautions

Patients should be cautious during the initial phase of treatment and during any dosage increases due to the risk of syncope (fainting) and symptomatic postural hypotension (dizziness upon standing). A rare but serious side effect associated with this class of drugs is intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS), which can occur during cataract surgery. Patients scheduled for any surgery, including cataract surgery, must inform their surgeon that they are taking or have taken Cardura. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels may be recommended. Patients should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until they know how the medication affects them, especially after the first dose or a dose increase.

Contraindications

Cardura is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to doxazosin, other quinazolines (such as prazosin, terazosin), or any component of the formulation. Its use is also contraindicated in patients with a history of orthostatic hypotension. It should not be used for the treatment of BPH in women and children.

Possible side effect

Like all medications, Cardura can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Common side effects may include:

• Dizziness
• Somnolence (drowsiness)
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Postural dizziness
• Edema (swelling) Less common but more serious side effects require immediate medical attention and can include:
• Syncope (fainting), especially after the first dose or a dosage increase
• Severe hypotension (very low blood pressure)
• Priapism (a painful and prolonged erection)
• Symptoms of angina (chest pain) or palpitations

Drug interaction

Cardura can interact with other medications, which may alter how it works or increase the risk of serious side effects. Notable interactions include:

• Other antihypertensives: Concomitant use with other blood pressure-lowering drugs (e.g., diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers) may potentiate the hypotensive effect.
• Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil): Concurrent use can lead to a severe drop in blood pressure.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors: Strong inhibitors of the CYP3A4 enzyme (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir) may increase plasma concentrations of doxazosin, increasing the risk of adverse effects. Patients must provide their doctor with a complete list of all prescription, non-prescription, and herbal products they are taking.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered on the same day. If it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Overdose

In the event of an overdose, the primary expected manifestation is severe hypotension, leading to profound dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. Other symptoms may include shock and tachycardia (rapid heart rate). This is a medical emergency. The patient should be placed in a supine position and receive immediate supportive care, which may include IV fluids and vasopressors. Gastric lavage or activated charcoal may be considered if ingestion was recent. Symptomatic and supportive measures are the mainstays of treatment.

Storage

Cardura tablets should be stored at room temperature (20°-25°C or 68°-77°F), in a tightly closed container, and away from light, excess moisture, and heat. Keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard any expired or unused medication through a medicine take-back program.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. The information provided may not cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects.

Reviews

• “As a urologist with over 20 years of experience, I find doxazosin to be a reliable first-line option for managing moderate BPH symptoms. The improvement in urinary flow rates and reduction in IPSS scores for my patients are consistently notable. The key is proper dose titration and patient education about first-dose hypotension.” – Dr. Evan R., MD
• “Prescribed for my hypertension alongside a diuretic. The first few days required adjustment due to some dizziness, but that subsided. My blood pressure has been well-controlled and stable at my 4 mg dose for over a year now.” – Patient, Male, 58
• “The difference in my quality of life since starting Cardura for my enlarged prostate has been significant. Fewer nighttime trips to the bathroom mean restful sleep, and the urgency during the day has greatly diminished. It took about two weeks to really notice the full effect.” – Patient, Male, 65
• “From a cardiology perspective, it’s a valuable agent, particularly in patients with concomitant BPH. Its vasodilatory effect is effective, though we monitor patients closely, especially during initiation, for orthostatic changes.” – Dr. Susan L., Cardiologist