What is Doxazosin Mesylate: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Doxazosin Mesylate overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Cardura, Cardura XL

Generic Names:

  • Doxazosin Mesylate

Uses:

  • Treats problems with urination caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). Also treats high blood pressure.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antihypertensive, Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Agent, Cardiovascular Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Doxazosin Mesylate used for?

Doxazosin is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and benign prostatic hyperplasia (“enlarged prostate”). Doxazosin belongs to a group of medications called alpha 1 blockers. Doxazosin is a generic medication also sold under the brand name Cardura by Pfizer. In the treatment of high blood pressure, doxazosin use is less common than some other drugs.

What form(s) does Doxazosin Mesylate come in

  • Tablet

  • Long Acting Tablet

What are common Doxazosin Mesylate doses?

  • Tablet 1MG

  • Tablet 2MG

  • Tablet 4MG

  • Tablet 8MG

  • Bottle 1GM of

Common Doxazosin Mesylate prescriptions

  • Doxazosin Mesylate
    30 tablets disp pack

  • Doxazosin Mesylate
    1mg tablet

  • Doxazosin Mesylate
    2mg tablet

  • Doxazosin Mesylate
    4mg tablet

  • Doxazosin Mesylate
    8mg tablet

How to take Doxazosin Mesylate

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • If you take the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.

  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • The extended-release tablet should be taken each day with breakfast. The regular-release tablet can be taken in the morning or in the evening.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • If you take the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • The extended-release tablet should be taken each day with breakfast. The regular-release tablet can be taken in the morning or in the evening.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Doxazosin Mesylate contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to doxazosin or to similar medicines.

Doxazosin Mesylate warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. This can make you dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, heart disease, prostate cancer, or stomach or bowel problems (such as a blockage). Tell your doctor if you plan to have cataract surgery.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:New or worsening angina (chest pain)Priapism (painful, prolonged erection)

Doxazosin Mesylate interactions

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. This can make you dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:New or worsening angina (chest pain)Priapism (painful, prolonged erection)

  • Some medicines can affect how doxazosin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, telithromycin, or voriconazoleBlood pressure medicinesMedicine to treat erectile dysfunction

Doxazosin Mesylate side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • New or worsening chest pain

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

  • Painful erection or an erection that lasts longer than usual

  • Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Tiredness or weakness