What is doxazosin mesylate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Doxazosin is an oral drug used for treating high blood pressure and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, a noncancerous
enlargement of the prostate gland). It belongs to a class of drugs called
alpha-1 adrenergic blockers. Other drugs in this class include alfuzosin
(Uroxatral), terazosin (Hytrin), tamsulosin (Flomax), silodosin (Rapaflo), and
prazosin (Minipress). Doxazosin prevents norepinephrine that is released by
nerves from binding to alpha-1 receptors on smooth muscle surrounding blood
vessels and in the prostate and bladder. By blocking the effect of
norepinephrine, doxazosin relaxes the smooth muscle. Relaxation of the smooth
muscle surrounding blood vessels causes them to enlarge (dilate) and thereby
reduces blood pressure. Relaxation of smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder
improves the flow of urine and reduces the pain and discomfort characteristic of
BPH. The FDA approved doxazosin in November 1990.
What brand names are available for doxazosin mesylate?
Cardura, Cardura XL
Is doxazosin mesylate available as a generic drug?
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
Do I need a prescription for doxazosin mesylate?
Yes
What are the side effects of doxazosin mesylate?
Common side effects of doxazosin include:
- dizziness,
- fatigue,
- headache,
- shortness of breath,
- diarrhea,
- abdominal pain,
- edema (fluid accumulation) and
- low blood pressure.
Doxazosin causes significant reduction in blood pressure
after administration of the first dose (first dose effect). This reduction in
blood pressure may be associated with dizziness and fainting, especially when
rising from a sitting position. To avoid this, patients should rise slowly from
a sitting position, start treatment with the 1 mg dose, and then doses should be
adjusted upwards slowly. Priapism (painful, prolonged penile erection) and a
reduction in white blood cells have been associated with doxazosin.
MORE SERIOUS : Doxazosin can cause intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) during
cataract surgery. Patients should inform their eye surgeon that they are taking doxazosin.
QUESTION
Salt and sodium are the same.
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What is the dosage for doxazosin mesylate?
The recommended dose of doxazosin for hypertension is 1-16 mg daily.
The recommended dose for benign prostatic hyperplasia is 1-8 mg daily.
Which drugs or supplements interact with doxazosin mesylate?
Vardenafil (Levitra) or tadalafil (Cialis) and doxazosin
have additive blood pressure lowering effects. Combining vardenafil or tadalafil
(Cialis) with doxazosin may cause excessive blood pressure reduction.
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Is doxazosin mesylate safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies of doxazosin in pregnant women.
There are no adequate studies of doxazosin in nursing mothers.
What else should I know about doxazosin mesylate?
What preparations of doxazosin mesylate are available?
Tablets: 1, 2, 4, and 8 mg. Tablets (Extended Release): 4, 8 mg
How should I keep doxazosin mesylate stored?
Doxazosin should be stored at room temperature, 15 C – 30 C (59 F – 86 F).