Get Informed: Cardura
Active Ingredient(s)
Doxazosin
What does it do?
This product is used in the treatment of high blood pressure and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). It works by acting on the alpha1-adrenergic receptors which results in reduced systemic vascular resistance and thereby lowering blood pressure and increasing urinary flow.
- Last Text Update:
- 2009-Nov-20 10:32 PM
- Last Data Update:
- 2009-Nov-20 6:52 PM
Other Names
- Doxazosin
- Cardura
- Doxazosin Mesylate
- Doxazosin Mesilate
- Doxasin
- Cardura XL
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- C
- Black Box Warning:
- No
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 02 Nov 1990
- Est US Patients*
- 329,900
- Generic Available
- Yes
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Cardura or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Cardura Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
- Please login or register (it's free) so iGuard can check how Cardura interacts with other drugs and diseases in your profile.
What is Cardura used for?
iGuard.org is currently tracking more than 1,900 patients that use Cardura (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| High Blood Pressure | 70% | 
|
| Prostate Problems | 20% |
|
| Overactive Bladder | 13% |
|
| Other | 7% |
|
How well does Cardura work?
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 1,900 users taking Cardura (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 76%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Cardura outweigh the bad things.
- 6%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Cardura.
Common Side Effects of Cardura
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 1,900 users taking Cardura (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
17% of patients experience side-effects on Cardura
< 1% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Cardura
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Itch/Rash
-
Fatigue
-
Bladder/Urinary Problems
-
= 10%
Global Patient Feedback for Cardura (Doxazosin) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I would like to have some information, after reading the iGuard report. I take the following drugs--
gabapentin,amitriptyline,metoprolol, and triamterend/HCTZ. It is the first time in years that I have been able to keep my BP down and sleep for most of the night. I am currently on a 4mg
dose of doxazosin. I have been on BP meds since my twenties and I am now 66 years old.I am also on two different types of insulin. I would appreciate any help that you can give me with this.
riddle8847@bellsouth.net
57 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-20 19:45:09
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Many times high blood pressure requires more than one medication to keep it under control. In this case, the interactions are used to benefit you, the patient. You may experience some dizziness when you first stand up. If you are experiencing drowsiness or dizziness to the point where it affects your daily activities, you need to make an appointment with your physician to discuss your medication regimen. There is a moderate interaction between the gabapentin and amitriptyline. Taking both of these medication can decrease your seizure threshold, which means you could have a higher chance to have a seizure. As it is rare for this interaction to cause problems, many people use these two medications together. About 5% of iGuard members who take gabapentin are also taking amitriptyline. With that said, it is a good idea to regularly review these medications with your doctor, especially if you have a history of seizures.
Posted: 2009-07-25 00:13:44
Question/Comment:
I am currently taking Doxazosin Mesylate 2 mg tablet with other medication that might possibly cause fatigue as a side effect. Should I question my physician about this?
60 year old Male
Posted: 2009-07-09 15:05:49
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
You should try to keep an up-to-date list of your current medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. Make sure to present this list to your physician and your pharmacist at every appointment and every time you get a medication. This way, they can both be checking for interactions and side effects that may be compounded by other medications you may be taking. Medications with drowsiness as a similar side effect can be used together - but it's important to be aware of this side effect and contact to your doctor if it is bothersome to you. The drowsiness caused by doxazosin should go away as you continue taking it. Your body adjusts to the medication so that you do not feel the drowsiness. If you experience excessive drowsiness that does not improve as you continue to take doxazosin, discuss your concerns with your doctor.
Posted: 2009-07-13 15:05:15
Question/Comment:
I had open heart 4 years ago. after operation there was the adjustment of meds to keep BP in good range. The Dr. tried several combinations and after about 5 months hit on the present combination of Avapro,Toprol XL and Doxazosin 2mg. The Doxazosin is taken 2 in the am and 2 at 7 pm. I have had no problems considering the other meds required, but my BP reading runs in the 120-128 over 60-65 with a pulse reading of 60-69 this seems to work for me.
I am a Male, 74 years, 168-170# and walk regularly before bed for 15 min. on the tread mill.
75 year old Male
Posted: 2009-01-25 00:14:17
Question/Comment:
My doctor switched me from diazide (to lower my blood pressure) to Cardura (generic) because he felt the diazide might have contributed to a skin disease (lycomplanus) that I have had off and on for many years. It has worked well for me, as my BP is now 120 over 80. He also said it is a good choice since a side benefit is that it helps with prostate symptoms (which I do not have). I recommend the Cardura strongly!
76 year old male
77 year old Male
Posted: 2009-01-07 21:17:21
Question/Comment:
I am a 70 year old female and have been taking Cardura 3 mg. nightly for about 3 years. Istarted taking it because my Foctor thought My night bp may have been going up as I would awaken with a headache every morning, so far I have had no complications. I also have sleep apnea and is using a cpap machine. Think that may have been causing my increase in bp at night?dbb in Ky.
72 year old Female
Posted: 2008-09-29 17:09:40
You may post comments for the benefit of other patients or post questions other patients might be able to answer. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Only your age and gender will be published with your comment, although your other user details will be securely recorded for verification purposes.
Comments may be either questions or answers to previously posted questions. Any iGuard.org user may post questions and reply.
5
Patient Comments about
Cardura