Doxazosin
Molecule Description
Doxazosin is used to treat high blood pressure and improve urine flow due to en
largement of the prostate gland in men. It belongs to a class of medicines called ‘alpha-adrenergic antagonists’ or ‘alpha-blockers.’
Uses of Doxazosin
- High blood pressure
- Doxazosin can be used alone or in combination with other blood pressure medications
- Urinary flow obstruction and other symptoms due to non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy)
- Contraindications
- Allergy to Doxazosin or other medicines of the same class (Prazosin, Terazosin, Alfuzosin, Silodosin) or any of its components
- If you feel dizzy or light-headed on when you stand up from a sitting or a lying position (orthostatic hypertension)
- Patients with enlarged prostate gland but have low blood pressure, blockage, stones or infections of the urinary tract
- A condition where the patient is unaware if the bladder is full which results in urinary leak (urinary incontinence) or not producing urine (anuria), with or without kidney disease
Contraindications of Doxazosin
When should one not use Doxazosin
- Allergy to Doxazosin or other medicines of the same class (Prazosin, Terazosin, Alfuzosin, Silodosin) or any of its components
- If you feel dizzy or light-headed on when you stand up from a sitting or a lying position (orthostatic hypertension)
- Patients with enlarged prostate gland but have low blood pressure, blockage, stones or infections of the urinary tract
- A condition where the patient is unaware if the bladder is full which results in urinary leak (urinary incontinence) or not producing urine (anuria), with or without kidney disease
Side effects of Doxazosin
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Dizziness, spinning of head, low blood pressure, headache
- Cough, cold, running nose, nose, throat and lung infections
- Stomach pain, indigestion, heartburn, dry mouth
- Back pain, itching, muscle aches, fever (flu-like symptoms)
- Urinary infections, leaking urine, weakness, sleepiness,
- constipation, loose motions, gas in stomach, joint pains, difficulty in urine and increased passing of urine, joint pain, sleeplessness, anxiety, altered sense of touch and sensation (hands and feet), skin rashes, brain stroke, nose bleed, increased or decreased hunger, weight gain...
- Breathing difficulty, irregular heartbeats (including pounding or palpitations), chest pain, yellowing of eyes (jaundice), low blood cell counts, painful erection of the penis
Precautions and Warnings of Doxazosin
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Doxazosin during pregnancy?
A:
There is no safety data available on this medicine during pregnancy. Doxazosin has to be used in pregnant women only if it cannot be replaced.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Doxazosin while breastfeeding?
A:
Tiny amounts of Doxazosin is secreted in breast milk. Hence, this medicine can be used in breastfeeding women if no other alternatives are available.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Doxazosin?
A:
Doxazosin can make you feel weak or dizzy, mostly when you start taking medicine. Do not drive in the first few weeks. You may drive later in the absence of such symptoms.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Doxazosin?
A:
Taking alcohol with this medicine may lead to cause more dizziness or drowsiness.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have liver and heart diseases
- You are planning for eye surgeries (cataract)
Mode of Action of Doxazosin
How Does It Work?
Alpha-adrenergic receptors (proteins that receive and transmit signals) cause narrowing of blood vessels and the neck of the urinary bladder. Doxazosin acts by blocking these receptor proteins and relaxing the blood vessels and the bladder and thus relieves high blood pressure and urinary outflow. Neck of the urinary bladder passes through the prostate gland and is narrowed down and obstructed in prostate enlargement....
Interactions of Doxazosin
Interactions with other medicines
- Medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction (Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil)
- Antifungals and antibacterials (like Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Clarithromycin, Telithromycin, Voriconazole)
- Medicines used to treat HIV/AIDS (protease inhibitors such as Indinavir, Ritonavir, Nelfinavir, Saquinavir)
- Nefazodone (an antidepressant)
Interactions with food items
Doxazosin can be taken with or without meals.
Dietary Restrictions of Doxazosin
Low salt diet is preferable.
Dosage of Doxazosin
Overdose
Unintentional overdose may not be harmful. Overdose with Doxazosin will cause low blood pressure and symptoms like drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting (seizure in severe cases). Seek medical attention if you experience any such symptoms....
Missed a Dose
Take the missed dose as early as you remember. Skip the missed dose and do not take extra medicine or double dose to compensate for the missed dose.
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Mansi Savla
B. Pharm, PharmD
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What else should I know before taking Doxazosin?
- Dizziness and fainting may occur in the initial stages when a patient is started on Doxazosin, especially when standing up from a sitting or a lying position. Get up slowly from sitting or lying down position to avoid this. Inform your doctor if these symptoms persist. Close monitoring and regular measurement of blood pressure are required till symptoms subside...
- Doxazosin should not be given to children and adolescents below 18 years of age
- Talk to your doctor if you are 65 years or older
Q: Is Doxazosin effective for high blood pressure and symptoms of prostate enlargement?
- Doxazosin has been demonstrated to be a safe and well-tolerated medicine for high blood pressure and to relieve symptoms of enlarged prostate, even when used for an extended period
- This medicine is of special benefit in patients who have both the conditions and is usually given in combination with other medicines
- Doxazosin is not recommended in cancerous enlargements of the prostate gland
- Take Doxazosin under medical supervision. Do not self-medicate or self-adjust the dose
References
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