Cardura

This page contains drug information on Cardura.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Cardura
the possible side effects of Cardura
what happens if you miss a dose of Cardura
what happens if you overdose with Cardura
the most important information about Cardura
how to use Cardura
other drugs that may affect Cardura
what to avoid while using Cardura
 
Generic Name: doxazosin (dox AH zoe son)
Brand Names: Cardura
 
What is the most important information I should know about cardura?
 •  To avoid falling, take the first dose at bedtime. cardura may cause dizziness. It is a good idea to take every dose at bedtime, if possible.
 •  Use caution when you stand or sit up from a lying position, especially if you wake up during the night. Dizziness may occur when changing positions.
 •  Do not stop taking this drug suddenly even if you feel better. Stopping suddenly could cause your blood pressure to increase.

What is cardura?
 •  cardura is in a class of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers. cardura causes the blood vessels (veins and arteries) to relax and expand, which allows blood to pass more easily through them.
 •  cardura is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). cardura is also used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). It relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.
 •  cardura may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take cardura?
 •  Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have any type of kidney or liver disease. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during therapy with cardura.
 •  cardura is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether cardura will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
 •  It is also not known whether cardura passes into breast milk. For this reason, cardura should be avoided if possible during breast-feeding.

How should I take cardura?
 •  Take cardura exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
 •  Take each dose with a full glass of water.
 •  The tablets can also be crushed and mixed with liquid or soft food such as pudding or applesauce if you have difficulty swallowing.
 •  To avoid falling, take the first dose at bedtime. cardura may cause dizziness. It is a good idea to take every dose at bedtime, if possible.
 •  Use caution when you stand or sit up from a lying position, especially if you wake up during the night. Dizziness may occur when changing positions.
 •  Do not stop taking this drug suddenly even if you feel better. Stopping suddenly could cause your blood pressure to increase.
 •  Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. A double dose could cause severely low blood pressure.
 •  If you miss doses for several days in a row, call your doctor before taking any additional doses. You may need to restart treatment with a lower dose.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  Seek emergency medical attention.
 •  Symptoms of a cardura overdose include weakness, dizziness, and fainting a weak, fast pulse cold, clammy skin and possibly loss of consciousness or coma.

What should I avoid while taking cardura?
 •  Avoid alcohol while taking cardura. Alcohol may cause drowsiness or severely low blood pressure while taking cardura.
 •  Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities until you know how the medication affects you. cardura may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
 •  Avoid becoming overheated. Low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting could result. Be careful not to overexert yourself, and use caution in hot weather.

What are the possible side effects of cardura?
 •  If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking cardura and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:
      · an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing closing of your throat swelling of your lips, tongue, or face or hives)
      · an increased heartbeat
      · shortness of breath or chest pain
      · a prolonged or painful erection or
      · a rash.
 •  Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take cardura and talk to your doctor if you experience
      · vivid dreams
      · dizziness or drowsiness
      · weakness, fatigue, or feeling of not being well
      · nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, or decreased appetite
      · fluid retention or slight weight gain
      · joint or muscle aches
      · headache, irritability, or depression
      · increased urination
      · decreased sex drive or
      · numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, arms or legs.
 •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect cardura?
 •  Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal supplements, during treatment with cardura.