Doxazosin is used to treat hypertension and to improve urination in patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy.
What is Doxazosin?
Doxazosin works by relaxing the veins and arteries in order facilitate the flow of blood within them. It also relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.
How should Doxazosin be taken?
Doxazosin is typically administered orally.
Side effects associated with Doxazosin
Among the possible side effects of doxazosin include the following:
- Mild dizziness
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Runny nose
You should contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Feeling of faintness
- Accelerated/ heavy heartbeat or strange sensations in the chest
- Difficulty breathing
- Swollen hands, ankles or feet
- Painful erection that lasts for more than 4 hours
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Doxazosin
During the first few days of treatment, doxazosin can cause dizziness and fainting. This in turn can comprise an individual’s ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery.
Before starting treatment with doxazosin, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, any other drugs (particularly alfuzosin, prazosin, silodosin, tamsulosin and terazosin) or food
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements (particularly blood pressure medications and diuretics)
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from liver disease or prostate cancer
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is also important to inform physicians and surgeons of any ongoing treatment with doxazosin. This is especially necessary in case of cataract surgery, during which the pupils can be affected.
