Drug Uses

Doxazosin is used to treat high blood pressure and treating signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Usage

Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information.

You may choose to take Doxazosin with a meal or without one.

The first dose may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure so you should take the first dose at bed time.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Doxazosin is categorized as a alpha-blocker. It helps to lower blood pressure by relaxing muscles in the blood vessels. In case of BPH the alpha blockers relax the muscles around the urethra (the tube that drains urine from the bladder).

Missed Dose

Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.

Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.

Storage

Store Doxazosin at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight. Protect it from kids and pets.

Warning/Precautions

Doctors advise against using Doxazosin if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or to similar medicines.

Doxazosin may increase the risk of getting dizziness or drowsiness. This risk greatly increases if you combine it with alcoholic beverages. So please avoid them while using Doxazosin. Also, avoid undertaking any tasks which require mental alertness (driving, handling heavy machinery etc).

Doctors may prescribe certain laboratory tests like blood pressure to determine how you have responded to treatment and to gauge the severity of the side effects of Doxazosin. Please Keep all lab appointments and do not miss any tests.

Doxazosin should also be used with caution in the elderly as they might be more susceptible to its side effects.

If you stand up too fast from a lying position light headedness or dizziness may occur. Sometimes you may even faint. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever increases these effects. Sit up or stand slowly to prevent this.

A feeling of lethargy or being worn out is often seen in patients especially in the first few weeks of starting treatment with blood pressure medications. If you experience this, do not stop using Doxazosin. Please mention about it to your doctor.

The medicine in rare cases may cause a prolonged and painful erection. Contact your doctor immediately if this occurs as it can lead to permanent sexual disorders like impotence.

Pregnancy Info

If you are expecting a child or are planning to have a child in the near future, then consult your doctor before using Doxazosin to discuss any possible threats to the unborn baby.

If you are a nursing mother and breast feed your baby, then too, seek consultation before using Doxazosin as some drugs are excreted in the breast milk and may enter the baby.