| Common Brands | Cardura, Cardura XL |
|---|---|
|
Drug Class |
Alpha antagonist |
|
Controlled Substance Classification |
Not a controlled medication |
|
Generic Status |
Lower-cost generic available |
|
Availability |
Prescription only |
Cardura, or doxazosin, is an alpha-1 adrenergic blocker that acts upon the receptors in the smooth muscles of the blood vessels and the prostate. The drug blocks these receptors, which causes the blood vessels to relax and dilate, thus lowering blood pressure. In BPH, the medication allows the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck to relax and thus ease the flow of urine.
High Blood Pressure, also known as hypertension. Cardura helps to open the blood vessels and reduce resistance, resulting in low blood pressure.
Cardura relieves symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: It relaxes the smooth muscles of the prostate and the bladder neck, resulting in smooth urinary flow, reducing frequency urination, weak urine flow, and the feeling that your bladder did not fully empty.
Cardura should be used exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Here are some general guidelines for using Cardura:
Oral Tablets: Cardura is available in tablet form, typically taken once a day. The tablets should be taken with food to help reduce the risk of side effects, such as dizziness or lightheadedness.
Dosage: Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage based on your specific condition and health response. The typical starting dose is 1 mg once daily, which may be increased gradually to achieve optimal effects. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and not adjust the dose without their guidance.
Timely Taking Cardura, on the other hand is typically taken in the morning; however, it may be given any time of the day if consistent administration is maintained at approximately the same time every day.
Missed Dose: If you miss a dose of Cardura, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose—do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
For Hypertension: In the case of high blood pressure, Cardura helps to relax and widen the blood vessels, reducing the amount of work the heart needs to do to pump blood, which ultimately lowers blood pressure. This is particularly beneficial for patients with high blood pressure, as it can reduce the risk of complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage.
For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): In patients with BPH, the prostate becomes enlarged and presses against the urethra, which obstructs the flow of urine. Cardura works by relaxing the smooth muscle in the prostate and the bladder neck, which helps improve urine flow, reduce urinary retention, and alleviate symptoms such as frequent urination and a weak stream.
Though Cardura is highly effective for hypertension and BPH, it may cause some side effects. Some of the common and major side effects include:
Dizziness or lightheadedness: Especially when one is standing up, due to blood pressure that drops. This is usually at the initiation of medication and when the dose is increased.
Fatigue: Some patients tend to feel extremely tired or weak, especially in the initiation stages of treatment.
Headache: Headaches can result in the early stages of treatment when the body has not yet adapted to the medication.
Swelling (Edema): The feet, ankles, or lower legs can swell, especially in people with previous heart conditions.
Nausea: Some people experience nausea, especially when taken on an empty stomach.
Orthostatic Hypotension: This is a sudden fall in blood pressure that results in dizziness, fainting, or falls when getting up from lying down.
Palpitations: Some patients may experience a racing or irregular heartbeat as a result of the effects of this medication.
There are several important warnings and precautions associated with Cardura:
Low Blood Pressure: Cardura can cause low blood pressure, especially when initiating treatment or increasing the dose. Be cautious to avoid dizziness or fainting when standing up quickly.
Liver or Kidney Disease: If you have liver or kidney problems, your doctor may need to adjust your dose or monitor your function closely.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Cardura falls under the Category C medication, which means that it can cause harm to an unborn baby. It should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary. It is not known whether Cardura passes into breast milk, so it should be used with caution during breastfeeding.
Surgery: Cardura can impact your blood pressure during surgery. Let your surgeon know if you are taking Cardura before any surgery scheduled.
Allergic Reactions: Severe allergic reactions rarely occur with Cardura. In case you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a rash, you should get emergency medical attention immediately.
Cardura can interact with other drugs. It may increase the risk of side effects or reduce its effectiveness. Some common drug interactions include
Antihypertensive drugs: Used with other blood pressure-reducing drugs, Cardura may have an additive effect of lowering the blood pressure. This might cause hypotension.
Sexual dysfunction drugs: When the combination of Cardura is made with PDE-5 inhibitors (like sildenafil (Viagra)), this leads to an alarming fall in the blood pressure.
Beta-blockers: Combination of Cardura with beta-blockers tends to enhance the chances of having orthostatic hypotension or sudden drop in blood pressure on rising.
Other alpha-blockers: The use of Cardura in combination with other alpha-blockers may lead to an increased risk of side effects such as dizziness or fainting due to a combined effect on blood pressure.
Cimetidine: Use of cimetidine, an anti-ulcer drug, may increase the blood levels of Cardura and its effects may be enhanced.
Dosage of Cardura depends on the condition to be treated:
For Hypertension: The typical initial dose is 1 mg once daily. This can be titrated up to a maximum of 16 mg per day based on the response of the patient to the drug.
For BPH: Initial dose is usually 1 mg once daily, and this may be titrated up to a maximum of 8 mg per day based on symptom relief.
Your healthcare provider will adjust the dosage based on your individual needs and responses to the medication.
Only on prescription from a registered health care provider are these cards issued. If you’re showing signs of BPH or hypertension, the doctor will then take his medical judgment and give an idea about whether Cardura suits your medical condition or not. Moreover, he would let you know the right way of medication usage and observe you periodically after administration.
What is Cardura used for?
How does Cardura work?
What is the active ingredient in Cardura?
What is the usual dosage for Cardura?
Can I take Cardura with food?
What should I do if I miss a dose of Cardura?
What are the common side effects of Cardura?
Are there any serious side effects of Cardura I should be aware of?
Can Cardura cause allergic reactions?
Can I take Cardura with other medications?
Are there any foods I should avoid while taking Cardura?
Is Cardura safe for elderly patients?
Can Cardura be used during pregnancy?
Can I take Cardura long-term?
Will I develop a tolerance to Cardura?
How often should I have my blood pressure checked while on Cardura?
What should I do if I experience dizziness when taking Cardura?
Are there alternatives to Cardura for treating high blood pressure?
How does Cardura compare to similar medications like terazosin?
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