Doxazosin Oral Tablet Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, and More
Doxazosin is a medication that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate gland. It belongs to a class of drugs called alpha blockers and works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate gland and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.
In this article, we will take a closer look at what doxazosin is, how it works, its uses, and its potential side effects.
What is Doxazosin?
Doxazosin is an alpha-blocker medication that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). It works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.
How Does Doxazosin Work?
Doxazosin works by blocking alpha-1 receptors in the body, which are responsible for constricting blood vessels. By blocking these receptors, doxazosin relaxes the smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels, allowing them to widen and reducing blood pressure.
Uses of Doxazosin
Doxazosin is primarily used to treat high blood pressure and urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate gland. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by a doctor.
Some common uses of doxazosin include:
- High blood pressure
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate gland
Treating High Blood Pressure
Doxazosin is used to treat high blood pressure, which is a condition that occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels is too high. This can damage your blood vessels and lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
Treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Doxazosin is also used to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland, a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Symptoms of BPH can include difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, and the need to urinate frequently.
Treating Raynaud’s Disease
Raynaud’s disease is a condition that causes the blood vessels in the fingers and toes to narrow, reducing blood flow to these areas. Doxazosin may be used to help widen the blood vessels and improve blood flow in people with Raynaud’s disease.
Dosage of Doxazosin
Doxazosin dosage is determined based on several factors, including your age, weight, medical history, and the condition being treated. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose for you based on these factors.
Treating High Blood Pressure
For treating high blood pressure, the typical starting dose of doxazosin is 1 mg once daily, with the dose gradually increased over time as needed. The maximum recommended daily dose is 16 mg.
Treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
For treating BPH, the typical starting dose of doxazosin is 1 mg once daily, with the dose gradually increased over time as needed. The maximum recommended daily dose is 8 mg.
Treating Raynaud’s Disease
For treating Raynaud’s disease, the typical starting dose of doxazosin is 1 mg once daily, with the dose gradually increased over time as needed. The maximum recommended daily dose is 8 mg.
It’s important to take Doxazosin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking the medication without first consulting with your doctor.
How Is Doxazosin Taken?
Doxazosin is usually taken once a day, with or without food. The dosage may vary depending on the condition being treated and other factors.It is important to take doxazosin exactly as prescribed by a doctor. Do not stop taking the medication without first consulting with a healthcare provider.
Side Effects of Doxazosin
Like all medications, doxazosin can cause side effects. The most common side effects of doxazosin include:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- NauseaLow blood pressure (hypotension)
Less common side effects include:
- Low blood pressure
- Fainting
- Palpitations
- Rapid heart rate
In rare cases, Doxazosin can cause more serious side effects, such as:
- Prolonged erection
- Jaundice.
If any of these side effects occur, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Available Medicine
| Name | Manufacturer |
|---|---|
| Cardura Tablet | Pfizer Inc. |
| Doxacard Tablet | Cipla Ltd |
| Doxapress Tablet | Micro Labs Ltd |
| Duracard Tablet | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can doxazosin be used to treat erectile dysfunction?
Doxazosin is not approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. However, it may be used off-label for this purpose.
Q: Is doxazosin safe to use during pregnancy?
Doxazosin should not be used during pregnancy as it may harm the developing fetus.
Q: Can doxazosin be used in children?
Doxazosin is not approved for use in children.
Q: How is Doxazosin taken?
Doxazosin is usually taken once a day, with or without food. The dosage may vary depending on the condition being treated and other factors.
Q: What should I do if I miss a dose of Doxazosin?
If you miss a dose of Doxazosin, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking Doxazosin?
It is generally recommended to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Doxazosin as it may increase the risk of certain side effects such as dizziness or fainting.
The Bottom Line
Doxazosin is a medication that is commonly used to treat high blood pressure and urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate gland. It works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate gland and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.
While it is generally safe and effective, it may cause side effects, so it is important to take it exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider and to report any side effects to a doctor.
As with any medication, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of Doxazosin with a healthcare provider before starting treatment.
