Drug name
Doxazosin
Drug Uses
Doxazosin helps to treat high blood pressure. It is also used to treat symptoms and signs of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia).
How Taken
Take the medication as determined by your doctor. Do not use Doxazosin in greater measures. Do not use it for longer than prescribed by your doctor. Follow the prescription label directions. Take it by mouth with or without food.
On condition that you have certain questions about how to use the drug ask your health care provider at once.
This medication after the first dose may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. You should usethe very first dose at bedtime. On condition that you get up during the night, you should sit up slowly, and then stand slowly.
Drug Class and Mechanism
This medicine, being an alpha-blocker relaxes the blood vessels muscles. In such a way blood pressure lowers. In benign prostatic hyperplasia, alpha-blockers relaxe muscles around the urethra, this betters urinary symptoms.
Missed Dose
If you omit a dose of Doxazosin, take it immediately. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Keep the drug at room temperature, between 20 and 25 degree ( and 77 degrees F). Save it away from light, heat, moisture. Do not store it in the bathroom. Save this remedy out of the reach of children and away from pets.
Warnings Precautions
You must not takee Doxazosin if:
you have allergies to certain ingredients in it.
Contact your health care provider immediately on condition that any of these apply to you.
Important :
Alcohol can highten Doxazosin side effects, and can also highten the danger of seizure. Inform your doctor or dentist about the fact of taking Dilantin before receiving a medical or dental care, surgery, emergency care.
Lightheadedness and dizziness are possible when you stand up very fast. In such case you should get up slowly and not change your posture. Such side effects can happen when you are using the first few dosages og the drug. Anyway, they can take place at any time of taking this medication, after you stop using Doxazosin or if you restart healing.
Using Doxazosin may result in fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness. These effects may be increased by alcohol, fever, hot weather. To avoid such symptoms, you should stand or sit up. At the first signs of these effects you are adviced sit/ lie down.
In case fainting happens, you should lie down slowly and refuse from using Doxazosin until you consulting a doctor.
In some cases Doxazosin may cause a painful erection, even when you are not currently having sex. If not treated right away, this can result in serious sexual problems (eg. impotence). If this occurs address your doctor immediately. Patients who take this drug for high blood pressure very often feel tired for a couple of weeks after beginning the therapy. You should use your medicine even in case you may not feel well. If you experience some new symptoms inform your doctor about it.
Laboratory tests may be made when you take Doxazosin. Such tests, including blood pressure tests, help to control your heakth condition and check side effects. You should not avoid all laboratory and doctor appointments.
On condition you suspect you are pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. You should discuss all benefits and risks of taking Doxazosin during your pregnance. It is not known whether Doxazosin passes into human breast milk. Stop breast-feeding while using Doxazosin.
Possible Side Effects
Contact your doctor in case any of these side effects take place:
dizziness; drowsiness; headache; indigestion; lightheadedness; nausea; pain in stomach; swelling; tiredness; back pain; diarrhea; flu-like symptoms.
Ask for medical attention immediately in case any of these serious side effects take place:
serious allergic reactions (chest tightness; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; rash; hives; difficulty breathing); painful erection; chest pounding; puffiness in hands/ feet; blurred vision; pain in chest; fainting.
More Information
Doxazosin should be used only by those patient for whom it is prescribed by a doctor. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms become worse and do not improve, contact your doctor.