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CHEMICAL NAME
DOXAZOSIN.
INDICATIONS
Doxazosin relaxes and dilates (expands) blood vessels resulting in lowered blood pressure. It is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). This drug can also be used in males for prostate enlargement (BPH) symptoms such as urinary hesitancy and/or urgency. This drug may also be used for treating heart failure.
DIRECTIONS
Take Doxazosin Tablets exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time each day. Take the first dose at bedtime to minimize the chances of getting dizzy or fainting. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
SIDE EFFECTS
Dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, headache, constipation, loss of appetite, dry mouth, tiredness, stuffy nose, blurred vision, dry eyes or trouble sleeping may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: chest pain, depression, swelling of hands or feet, sexual problems. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: persistent sore throat, fever, easy bleeding or bruising, nausea, stomach pain, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine. Males - though it is unlikely to occur, if you get a painful, prolonged erection, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention. In the unlikely event you have a serious allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver or kidney disease, allergies (especially to other quinazolines such as prazosin). To avoid dizziness or fainting, get up slowly from a lying or seated position; especially when you first start using this drug or if your doctor changes your dosing. Limit your intake of alcohol and avoid getting overheated because they may increase the dizziness and drowsiness effects of this drug. Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.
OVERDOSAGE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness and weakness.
INFORMATION
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor may schedule lab tests periodically to see how the drug is working. Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
NOTES
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,pharmacist,or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before taking the product.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: drugs for sexual function problems (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil). If you are also taking sildenafil and your dose is more than 25 milligrams, you can reduce your risk of fainting by taking your doses of sildenafil and doxazosin more than 4 hours apart. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Avoid any drugs that increase your heart rate or make you excited like decongestants because it may counteract your blood pressure medicine. Decongestants are commonly found in over-the-counter cough and cold products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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