Cardura XL (Doxazosin)

(℞) Prescription Required

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Cardura XL 4mg

Product of United Kingdom
Manufactured by: Pfizer Inc
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Cardura XL 4mg
Product of United Kingdom
Manufactured by Pfizer Inc
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Cardura XL 8mg

Product of United Kingdom
Manufactured by: Pfizer Inc
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Cardura XL 8mg
Product of United Kingdom
Manufactured by Pfizer Inc
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Doxazosin XL 4mg

Product of United Kingdom
Manufactured by: UK Various Generics
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Doxazosin XL 4mg
Product of United Kingdom
Manufactured by UK Various Generics
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Cardura XL (Doxazosin) Medication Information

Uses

Cardura XL is indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Cardura XL is not indicated for the treatment of hypertension.

Dosage

There are oral tablets available in several different strengths:

  • 4 mg
  • 8 mg

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Cardura XL include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Back pain
  • Headache
  • Hypotension
  • Dyspepsia
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Somnolence
  • Dyspnea

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for a full list of side effects that applies to you.

Precautions

Prostate Cancer: Carcinoma of the prostate causes many of the same symptoms associated with BPH and the two disorders frequently co-exist. Carcinoma of the prostate should therefore be ruled out prior to commencing therapy with Cardura XL.

Cataract Surgery: Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS) has been observed during cataract surgery in some patients on or previously treated with alpha1 blockers. This variant of small pupil syndrome is characterized by the combination of a flaccid iris that billows in response to intraoperative irrigation currents, progressive intraoperative miosis despite preoperative dilation with standard mydriatic drugs, and potential prolapse of the iris toward the phacoemulsification incisions.

Gastrointestinal Disorders: As with any other non-deformable material, caution should be used when administering this medication to patients with preexisting severe gastrointestinal narrowing (pathologic or iatrogenic). There have been rare reports of obstructive symptoms in patients with known strictures in association with the ingestion of another drug in this non-deformable extended release formulation. Markedly increased GI retention times, as may occur in patients with chronic constipation, can increase systemic exposure to doxazosin and thereby potentially increase adverse reactions.

Interactions

Some of the common drug interactions with Cardura XL:

  • Amifostine
  • Amphetamine
  • Aprepitant
  • Barbiturates
  • Beta-blockers
  • Calcium channel blocker
  • Duloxetine
  • Levodopa
  • Methylphenidate
  • Nitroprusside
  • Sildenafil 

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. 

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature (59º–86ºF). 

Pharmacist Tips

  • Tablets should be swallowed whole, and must not be chewed, divided, cut, or crushed.
  • Concomitant administration of Cardura XL with a PDE-5 inhibitor can result in additive blood pressure lowering effects and symptomatic hypotension; therefore, PDE-5 inhibitor therapy should be initiated at the lowest dose in patients taking Cardura XL.
  • If switching from Cardura to Cardura XL, therapy should be initiated with the lowest dose (4 mg once daily).

Cardura XL FAQs

Can I take this with food?

Cardura XL should be administered with breakfast.

 

Can I take this if I am pregnant?

This medication is not indicated for use in women. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, Cardura XL should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

 

Can I take this while breastfeeding?

Cardura XL is not indicated for use in women. Use of Cardura XL in nursing mothers is not recommended.

 

Can the dose be titrated?

Depending on the patient’s symptomatic response and tolerability, the dose may be increased to 8 mg, the maximum recommended dose. The recommended titration interval is 3–4 weeks.

 

What if I stop therapy for several days?

If Cardura XL administration is discontinued for several days, therapy should be restarted using the 4 mg once daily dose.

 

Can I cut or split the tablet?

Tablets should be swallowed whole, and must not be chewed, divided, cut, or crushed.

Related Drugs

Reference:

Cardura XL {package insert}. New York, NY: Pfizer Inc.; 2009.

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/021269s011lbl.pdf

PharmD Medical Writer

Author: Dr. Larisa Roybal, PharmD

Dr. Roybal is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist who has practiced in both ambulatory and acute care settings. Her pharmacy interests include oncology and general inpatient pharmacy.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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