Cardura (Doxazosin)

Description

Cardura is a trade name for doxazosin mesylate, an alpha-adrenergic blocker commonly used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. Cardura is available by physician prescription.

 

Drug Information

 

Doxazosin mesylate is a quinazoline compound than can selectively inhibit alpha1 subtype of alpha-adrenergic receptors, which results in the relaxation of smooth muscles in blood vessels, allowing blood to pass through freely, thus relieving high pressure.

 

The chemical formula for doxazosin mesylate is 1-(4-amino-6,7-dimethoxy-2-quinazolinyl)-4- (1,4-benzodioxan-2-ylcarbonyl) piperazine methanesulfonate.

 

Doxazosin mesylate can also relax the muscles in the neck of the bladder, making it easier to urinate, and the muscles of the prostate in men. Therefore, doxazosin mesylate is sometimes prescribed for adult males who have difficulty urinating due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).

 

Cardura is available in tablets colored according to dosage of the active ingredient: white for 1 mg, yellow for 2 mg, orange for 4 mg and green for 8 mg.

 

Inactive ingredients in Cardura include lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium starch glycolate.

 

Dosage

 

 Cardura dosage will vary as per physician recommendation, age, severity of the condition and response to treatment.

 

 Cardura is usually prescribed to be taken orally once a day up to 16 milligrams in dosage.

 

 Cardura dosages should be taken regularly even if the patient “feels fine.” Hypertension patients do not experience “feeling sick” symptoms. The prescribed dosage is essential for the drug to be effective.

 

 Cardura should be gradually decreased. Stopping the medication suddenly can cause unintended effects.

 

Warnings and Precautions

 

 Do not take Cardura if allergic to any of the ingredients in the drug or similar substances. Inform a physician in advance if there’s a history of bad allergic reactions.

 

 Blood pressure and prostate gland must be checked regularly when taking Cardura.

 

 Consult a physician before taking Cardura if pregnant, breastfeeding or attempting to get pregnant.

 

 Cardura may not be safe for pediatric patients.

 

 Cardura can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when waking up in the morning. Exercise precaution to avoid physical injuries when dizzy under Cardura. Do not drive or operate machinery when taking Cardura.

 

 Cardura is not recommended for patients with altered liver function, stomach or intestinal blockages, severe constipation and low blood pressure without explicit physician approval.

 

 Cardura may react negatively with other blood pressure medication or diuretics (water pills). Ask a physician if any such medications are safe to use with a Cardura prescription.

 

 It’s not recommended to take Cardura with antidepressants, antibiotics, erectile dysfunction medications like Viagra and medications to treat HIV or AIDS.

 

 Inform a physician regarding over-the-counter medications, vitamins or herbal remedies being taken before taking Cardura.

 

Side Effects

 

Cardura and doxazosin mesylate could potentially cause one or more of the following side effects:

 

 Dizziness
 Lightheadedness
 Drowsiness
 Low blood pressure
 Chest pain that could get worse over time
 Breathing problems
 Headaches
 Feeling tired or fatigue
 (In males) an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours and is painful
 Swelling in limbs

 

Side effects are not limited to the above.

 

Immediately consult a physician if side effects continue to persist or worsen over time.