Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Cardura (Doxazosin).
Blood cell counts: Cardura (Doxazosin) may cause leukopenia (low white blood cell count), which can mean your immune system is weak. If you develop a fever, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will also perform blood tests regularly to monitor your blood cell counts.
BPH: Cardura (Doxazosin) therapy does not cure or change the natural course of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlarged prostate). It does not slow down or stop the progression of BPH. Note that BPH is not the same thing as Prostate Cancer, although they do cause many of the same symptoms. It is possible for men to have both BPH and prostate cancer at the same time.
Your doctor may check for prostate cancer before starting Cardura (Doxazosin) and once a year after you turn 50 years old (40 years old if you have a family member who has had prostate cancer).
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Due to the possibility of excessive lowering of blood pressure, avoid driving or performing hazardous tasks for 24 hours after your first dose of Cardura (Doxazosin), after the dose is increased, and when the medication is started again after not taking it for a period of time. You should also avoid situations where you could be injured if you were to lose consciousness.
Eye problems: During eye surgery for Cataracts, people who take or have taken Cardura (Doxazosin) are at risk for developing a condition called intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS). This condition can lead to eye damage. If you are planning to have an operation on your eye, inform your doctor if you are taking or have taken Cardura (Doxazosin).
Kidney function: If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Cardura (Doxazosin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cardura (Doxazosin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Lactose: Cardura (Doxazosin) contains lactose. If you have hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption, discuss with your doctor whether Cardura (Doxazosin) is appropriate for you.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Cardura (Doxazosin) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Cardura (Doxazosin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cardura (Doxazosin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
People taking Cardura (Doxazosin) may have changes in liver function that produce abnormal liver test results. Your doctor will recommend regular liver tests while you are taking Cardura (Doxazosin). If you have severe changes in liver function, your doctor may recommend that you take a lower dose of Cardura (Doxazosin) or stop taking it altogether.
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Low Blood Pressure: The first dose or first few doses of Cardura (Doxazosin) can cause your blood pressure to lower. You may notice this particularly when moving from a sitting or lying position to a standing position. Be alert for any lightheadedness or dizziness. A similar effect can occur if Cardura (Doxazosin) is started again after stopping for more than a few doses. These effects are most likely to occur 2 to 6 hours after taking the medication.
Lie down when symptoms of low blood pressure occur and be careful when getting up from a lying position (move slowly). If dizziness, lightheadedness, or palpitations are bothersome, report them to your doctor so that dose adjustment can be considered.
Long-term use: Long-term safety and efficacy (i.e., for more than 4 years) have not yet been established for the use of Cardura (Doxazosin) in the treatment of BPH.
PDE-5 inhibitors: If you are taking a PDE-5 inhibitor (e.g., Sildenafil, Tadalafil, or Vardenafil) while taking Cardura (Doxazosin), you may be at risk for low blood pressure. Talk to your doctor.
Pregnancy: Cardura (Doxazosin) crosses the placenta and may affect the developing baby if it is taken by the mother while she is pregnant. Cardura (Doxazosin) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Cardura (Doxazosin), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Cardura (Doxazosin) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Cardura (Doxazosin), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Cardura (Doxazosin) have not been established for children. It is not recommended for use by children.
Seniors: Seniors may experience excessive lowering of blood pressure or dizziness when they take Cardura (Doxazosin). Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
