What is the most important information I should know about doxazosin?
Doxazosin lowers blood pressure and may cause dizziness or fainting, especially
when you first start taking it, or when you start taking it again. To avoid falling, take the first
dose of doxazosin at bedtime. You may wish to continue taking this medication only at bedtime
if it causes you to feel light-headed.
You may feel very dizzy when you first wake up. Be careful when standing or sitting up
from a lying position.
If you stopped taking doxazosin for any reason and have started taking it again, you may
feel especially dizzy or light-headed after your first few doses.
Doxazosin can affect the pupils of your eyes during cataract surgery. If you have cataract
surgery during your treatment with doxazosin, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you take
doxazosin. Do not stop using the medication before surgery unless your surgeon tells you to.
What is doxazosin?
Doxazosin is in a group of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers. Doxazosin causes the
blood vessels (veins and arteries) to relax and expand, improving blood flow. Doxazosin also
relaxes muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.
Doxazosin is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and benign prostatic
hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).
Doxazosin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my doctor before taking doxazosin?
Doxazosin can affect the pupils of your eyes during cataract surgery. If you have cataract
surgery during your treatment with doxazosin, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you take
doxazosin. Do not stop using the medication before surgery unless your surgeon tells you to.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
liver disease, or a history
of
prostate cancer. You may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during therapy with
doxazosin.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether doxazosin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
How should I take doxazosin?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may
occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Doxazosin lowers blood pressure and may cause dizziness or fainting, especially
when you first start taking it, or when you start taking it again. To avoid falling, take the first
dose of doxazosin at bedtime. You may wish to continue taking this medication only at bedtime
if it causes you to feel light-headed.
You may feel very dizzy when you first wake up. Be careful when standing or sitting up
from a lying position.
If you stopped taking doxazosin for any reason and have started taking it again, you may
feel especially dizzy or light-headed after your first few doses.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure or prostate will
need to be checked on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to
your doctor.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you
feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Store doxazosin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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