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Why is this medication prescribed?
Doxazosin is used to treat high blood pressure. It works by relaxing the blood vessels, so that blood can flow more easily through the body. It also is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. It works by relaxing the muscles of the bladder and prostate.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Doxazosin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take doxazosin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Doxazosin controls high blood pressure and the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia but does not cure them. Continue to take doxazosin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking doxazosin without talking to your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
Doxazosin also is used with other drugs in the treatment of congestive heart failure. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking doxazosin,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to doxazosin, prazosin (Minipress), terazosin (Hytrin), or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially beta blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol), labetalol (Normodyne,Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal), sotalol (Betapace), and timolol (Blocadren); clonidine (Catapres); indomethacin (Indocin); verapamil (Calan); and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking doxazosin, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking doxazosin.
- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery 12-24 hours after the first time you take doxazosin or after your dose is increased.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Your doctor may prescribe a low-salt or low-sodium diet. Follow these directions carefully.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Check with your doctor if you have missed two or more doses.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from doxazosin are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- dizziness
- headache
- tiredness
- blurred vision
- decreased sexual ability
- nervousness
- increased urination
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- gas
- muscle weakness or pain
- ringing in ears
- dry mouth
- stuffy nose
- difficulty sleeping
- depression
- flushing (feeling of warmth)
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- difficulty breathing
- fast heartbeat
- irregular heartbeat
- chest pain
- skin rash
- swollen ankles or feet
- fainting
- painful erection of the penis that lasts for several hours
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison controlcenter at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsedor is not breathing, call local emergency services at911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to doxazosin.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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