Cardura (kär-ˈdu̇r-ə)
Cardura (doxazosin mesylate [dox-AZ-oh-sin MES-i-late) is an alpha-adrenergic blocker (also called an alpha blocker) that relaxes prostate and bladder-related muscles. It is used to treat urinary symptoms such as painful urination, frequency, weak stream, difficulty starting urine flow, and the need to urinate in the middle of the night.
Cardura Warnings
Cardura (doxazosin) for prostatitis and other alpha blockers may cause low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting. These effects are particularly common with the first dose, but may occur if the dose is increased or if the patient stops taking the drug and starts again after a few days.
While taking Cardura, use caution to avoid situations that could lead to possible injury as a result of fainting.
In the rare case you experience a painful erection that lasts four or more hours, seek immediate medical attention. If this condition is not treated promptly, it may result in permanent impotence.
Why Is Cardura Prescribed for Prostatitis?
Cardura helps relax the prostate muscles and bladder-associated muscles to relieve urinary symptoms, including increasing urine flow and discomfort. It can be used for bacterial forms of prostatitis as well as for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). It can be used to relieve urinary symptoms of hesitation, dribbling, weak stream, incomplete bladder emptying, painful urination, urgency, and frequency. Alpha blockers are also prescribed to help men with CP/CPPS with pain. Cardura may help with prostatitis symptoms, but it is not a cure.
How Should Cardura Be Used?
Take this medication at the same time every day.
The Cardura tablet may be taken with or without food, once daily in the morning or at night. The Cardura extended-release tablet should be taken once daily with breakfast.
Swallow extended-release tablets whole. Do not chew, crush, or split the extended release tablet.
Treatment should begin with a 1 mg dose to decrease the possibility of low blood pressure and fainting.
The dose should be increased slowly to 2, 4, and 8 mg tablets.
A physician should evaluate the patient every two weeks during increases in dose.
Tablets are available in 1, 2, 4, and 8 mg doses. Extended-release tablets are available in 4 and 8 mg doses.
Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding dose. Keep taking the medication even if you feel well. It may take a few weeks before you start to see a benefit from taking Cardura.
Other Uses for Cardura
This medication is used to treat high blood pressure and to increase urine flow in cases of (BPH).
Do I Need to Follow Special Precautions?
Prostate cancer and an enlarged prostate may have similar symptoms, and these two conditions may exist simultaneously. It is important to rule out cancer before taking Cardura.
Before taking this medication, inform your physician about any allergies you have, including an allergy to Cardura or any other alpha blockers. Inactive ingredients in this drug may cause an allergic reaction.
Provide your physician with your medical history before taking this medication, especially related to:
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Low blood pressure
- Chest pain
- Angina
- Constipation
As Cardura may cause dizziness or sleepiness, do not drive, use heavy machinery, or perform any dangerous activity until you know how your body reacts to the medication, usually for 24 hours after your first dose or after an increased dose.
Limit alcohol consumption, as drinking alcohol may increase side effects of this medication.
Inform your doctor of any nonprescription and prescription medications you take before having surgery, including dental surgery and cataract surgery. If you have been treated with Cardura or other alpha blockers, you may be prone to intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) during cataract surgery.
Stand up slowly after lying or sitting down to reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting, especially if you just began using this medication, or if your doctor has changed your dose.
Elderly patients should be cautious when taking this medication, as they may be more prone to side effects, particularly dizziness and low blood pressure. This medication is not recommended for people over the age of 65.
Do I Need to Follow a Special Diet When Taking Cardura?
Follow your physician’s instructions regarding diet, including dietary advice involving a reduction of salt intake.
What If I Forget a Dose?
If a dose is missed, take the medication as soon as you remember. However, if nearing the time when you are supposed to take the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. If a dose is missed, do not double the dose.
Talk to your physician if you have missed two or more doses.
Are There Side Effects When Taking Cardura for Prostatitis?
Side effects may include:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Sleepiness
- Abnormal Fatigue
- Abnormal vision
- Weight gain
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Low blood pressure
- Fluid retention
- Muscle joint pain or weakness
- Decreased sexual performance
- Runny nose
Inform your physician promptly if any of these symptoms persist or worsen.
If you experience any of the following more severe side effects, inform your physician immediately:
- Fainting
- Difficulty breathing
- Weakness
- Swelling of hands or feet
- Yellowing of eyes or skin
- Dark urine
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Fever
- Continuing sore throat
Seek medical attention immediately if you have any of these severe side effects:
- Changes in vision
- Chest pain
- Pain in the jaw or left arm
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- Priapism (a painful erection that last more than four hours)
If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention promptly. Symptoms may include:
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
- Acute dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
Does Cardura Have Special Storage Instructions?
Store this medication in its original container tightly sealed.
This medication should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep this medication away from children and pets. Do not store in the bathroom.
Discard this product properly when it is expired. (Do not flush it down the toilet or rinse it down the drain.)
What Do I Do in the Case of an Accidental Overdose?
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Seizure
In case of a suspected overdose, contact an emergency room or poison control center immediately. For a local control center in the United States, call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents: call a poison control center within your province.
What Else Should I Know about Cardura (Doxazosin) for Prostatitis?
Drug interactions include Levitra and Cialis. Inform your physician of all prescription and nonprescription products you are currently using, as other medications may interact with this drug.
If you are taking the extended-release tablet, you may notice the empy tablet shell in your stool. This is normal and it does not mean that you did not get your full dose of medication.
Cardura does not shrink the prostate. Cardura is not a cure for prostatitis.
Do not share your medication with others.