What is Doxazosin and What is it Used For?

Doxazosin is a medicine that belongs to a class of medicines known as alpha-blockers. It is used to treat high blood pressure or the symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate gland in men. It works by relaxing the muscle around the bladder exit and prostate gland, making it easier to urinate.

Do Not Take Doxazosin If:

• You are allergic to Doxazosin or any of the ingredients in this medicine.
• You have an enlarged prostate gland and low blood pressure.
• You suffer from overflow incontinence or anuria with or without kidney disorders.
• You have experienced orthostatic hypotension (dizziness when standing up).
• You have an enlarged prostate gland with urinary obstruction, bladder stones, or chronic infection.

Warnings and Precautions:

• Stop the medication and consult your doctor if you experience allergic reactions.
• Inform your doctor if you have liver or heart problems.
• Tell your eye doctor if you plan cataract surgery – this medicine can cause complications during surgery.
• Your doctor may conduct tests to rule out prostate cancer before starting treatment.
• Rarely, this medicine may cause painful, persistent erections – seek immediate help.
• This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting when getting up from sitting or lying down.
• Not recommended for children under 18 years old.

Possible Side Effects:

• Dizziness, vertigo, headache, low blood pressure
• Indigestion, heartburn, dry mouth
• Swelling of feet, ankles, fingers
• Rhinitis, flu-like symptoms
• Urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, cystitis
• Sleepiness, weakness, itching, abdominal pain
• Nausea, back pain, muscle pain
• Cold symptoms, cough, respiratory infections

Other Medicines and Doxazosin:

Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction (e.g., Sildenafil, Tadalafil)
• Other high blood pressure medicines
• Antibiotics and antifungals (e.g., Clarithromycin, Ketoconazole)
• HIV treatments (e.g., Ritonavir, Indinavir)
• Nefazodone for depression

Keep a list of all medications and share it with your healthcare provider.

How to Take Doxazosin:

• Take one tablet once daily.
• Initial dose: 1 mg daily. May increase to 2 mg or 4 mg after a few weeks.
• Maximum dose: 8 mg for prostate enlargement; 16 mg for high blood pressure.
• Take at the same time each day with or without food and a glass of water.
• Do not change your dose without consulting your doctor.

Storage Instructions:

• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Store below 30°C.
• Do not use after the expiry date.
• Keep in original packaging, away from moisture and light.
• Do not dispose of in household or wastewater.