Doxazosin is medication to relieve complaints and symptoms benign prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia/BPH). OThis drug can also be used to treat hypertension.
Doxazosin belongs to the class of alpha-blocking drugs. This drug works by blocking alpha receptors in the bladder and prostate gland, so that muscle tension can be reduced and urine flow more smoothly.
As an antihypertensive, doxazosin will dilate blood vessels so that blood flow can be smoother and blood pressure will drop.
Trademark doxazosin: Cardura, Doxazosin Mesilate, Tensidox
What is Doxazosin
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Alpha blockers (alpha-1 adrenergic blockers) |
| Benefit | Relieves symptoms of benign prostate enlargement and treats hypertension |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Doxazosin for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Doxazosin can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Warnings Before Taking Doxazosin
Doxazosin should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Before you take doxazosin, note the following:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. This drug should not be given to patients who are allergic to doxazosin and other alpha-blocking drugs, such as alfuzosin.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have recently had low blood pressure (hypotension), chest pain (angina), or a heart attack.
- Tell your doctor if you have constipation, gastrointestinal disease, glaucoma, heart failure, kidney disease, or a urinary disorder, such as difficulty or inability to urinate.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking doxazosin if you plan to have surgery, including dental and eye surgery.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness while you are taking doxazosin, as this medicine can cause dizziness.
- See your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking doxazosin.
Doxazosin Dosage and Rules
The dose of doxazosin given by the doctor can be different for each patient, depending on the condition to be treated. But in general, here are the doxazosin dosages for adults:
Condition: Enlargement of the prostate gland or Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Initial dose: 1 mg, once daily, taken at bedtime. The dose may be increased after 1–2 weeks, depending on the body's response.
- Maintenance dose: 2–4 mg per day. The maximum dose is 8 mg per day.
Condition: Hypertension
- Initial dose: 1 mg, 1 time a day taken at bedtime. The dose can be doubled after 1–2 weeks, depending on the body's response.
- Maintenance dose: 1-4 mg, once daily. The maximum dose is 16 mg per day.
How to MenconsumptionDoxazosin Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the instructions on the medicine package before taking doxazosin. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor.
Take doxazosin regularly at the same time every day to maximize the effect of the drug. Doxazosin can be taken before or after meals.
If you forget to take doxazosin, take it immediately if the interval with the next consumption schedule is not too close. When it is close, ignore and do not double the dose.
Sometimes, taking doxazosin can cause dizziness. Therefore, do not rush to stand up after you take doxazosin.
To help control blood pressure, you are also recommended to adopt a healthy lifestyle, such as regular exercise, limiting the consumption of foods high in salt and fat, and maintaining an ideal body weight.
Store doxazosin in a closed container in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Doxazosin Interaction with Other Drugs
The following are drug interactions that can occur when doxazosin is used with certain drugs:
- Increased risk of severe hypotension when used with phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, such as sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalavil, or avanafil
- Increased blood pressure lowering effect when used with other alpha-blocking drugs, such as prazosin
Side Effects and Dangers of Doxazosin
Side effects that can arise after taking doxazosin are:
- Dizziness and feeling floaty
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Unusual fatigue
- Weight gain
Check with your doctor if the side effects mentioned above don't get better or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Shortness of breath, swollen hands and feet, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain
- Yellowish eyes and skin (jaundice), dark urine, or severe abdominal pain
- Fever or sore throat that doesn't get better
- Easy bruising
- Dizziness so heavy that you want to faint
- Prolonged and painful erections
