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Cardura - Uses & Side Effects

Generic name: Doxazosin mesylate

Cadura is in a class of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers. Cardura causes the blood vessels (veins and arteries) to relax and expand, which allows blood to pass more easily through them.

Cardura Dosage

• Your doctor will adjust the dosage to fit your needs.
• The usual starting dose is 1 milligram taken once a day. To minimize the potential for dizziness or fainting associated with Cardura, which may occur between 2 and 6 hours after a dose, your doctor will monitor your blood pressure during this period and afterwards.
• After the effects of the starting dose are measured, your doctor may increase the daily dose to 2 milligrams and then, if necessary, to 4 milligrams, 8 milligrams, or, in people with high blood pressure only, up to 16 milligrams. As the dose increases, the potential for side effects such as dizziness, vertigo, light-headedness, and fainting also increases.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Uses of Cardura

• Cardura is also used in the treatment of high blood pressure.
• Cardura is used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Side Effects of Cardura

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Cardura. Side effects may include:

• Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, headache

Warnings and precautions before taking Cardura:

• Cardura is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Cardura will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• In rare cases, men taking drugs such as Cardura have developed priapism--a painful, long-lasting erection that persists for hours. This condition can lead to impotence, so if it occurs contact your doctor right away.
• If you have liver disease or are taking other medications that alter liver function, your doctor will monitor you closely when you take Cardura.
• Cardura may lower blood counts. Your doctor will most likely monitor your blood counts while you are taking Cardura. This medication may cause you to become drowsy or sleepy. For this reason, too, driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended.

Drug Interaction :- Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal supplements, during treatment with Cardura.

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. Although no specific information is available, low blood pressure is the most likely symptom of an overdose of Cardura.

• If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.