Cardura (Doxazosin)
Medication information written by Dr. Larisa Roybal, PharmD
Updated - January 15, 2021
Cardura (Doxazosin) Medication Information
Uses
Cardura is an alpha1 adrenergic antagonist indicated for:
- Signs and symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
- Treatment of Hypertension
Dosage
There are oral tablets available in several different strengths:
- 1 mg
- 2 mg
- 4 mg
- 8 mg
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Cardura include:
- Fatigue
- Malaise
- Hypotension
- Dizziness
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for a full list of side effects that applies to you.
Precautions
Postural hypotension with or without syncope may occur.
Risk of Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome during cataract surgery.
Screen for the presence of prostate cancer prior to treatment for BPH and at regular intervals afterwards.
Interactions
Some of the common drug interactions with Cardura:
- 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
- Avoid driving or hazardous tasks for 24 hours after the first dose, after a dosage increase, and after interruption of therapy when treatment is resumed.
- Advise patients to report symptoms to their healthcare provider.
Doxazosin FAQs
Can I take this with food?
Can be taken with or without food.
Can I take this if I am pregnant?
The limited available data with Cardura in pregnant women are not sufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. However, untreated hypertension during pregnancy can result in increased maternal risks
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
There is limited information on the presence of Cardura in human milk]. There is no information on the effects of Cardura on the breastfeed infant or the effects on milk production.
Should I monitor my blood pressure when starting Cardura?
Following the initial dose and with each dose increase of Cardura, monitor blood pressure for at least 6 hours following administration. If Cardura administration is discontinued for several days, therapy should be restarted using the initial dosing regimen.
Can the dose be titrated?
Dose may be titrated at 1 to 2 week intervals.
Can this cause a painful erection?
Cardura can cause a painful erection (priapism), which cannot be relieved by having sex. If this happens, get medical help right away. If priapism is not treated, you may not be able to get an erection in the future
Related Drugs
Reference:
Cardura {package insert}. New York, NY: Pfizer Inc.; 2016.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/019668s028lbl.pdf
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.
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.