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doxazosin mesylate
Cardura, Carduran‡

Pregnancy Risk Category C

How supplied
Tablets:
1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg

Action
An alpha1 blocker that acts on the peripheral vasculature to reduce peripheral vascular resistance and produce vasodilation.

Indications & dosage
Essential hypertension
--
Adults:
initially, 1 mg P.O. daily; determine effect on standing and supine blood pressure at 2 to 6 hours and 24 hours after dosing. If needed, dosage is increased to 2 mg daily. To minimize adverse reactions, dosage is adjusted slowly (dosage typically increased only q 2 weeks). If needed, dosage increased to 4 mg daily; then 8 mg. Maximum daily dose is 16 mg; however, dosages over 4 mg daily are associated with a greater incidence of adverse reactions.
BPH--

Adults:
initially, 1 mg P.O. once daily in the morning or evening; may be increased to 2 mg and, thereafter, 4 mg and 8 mg once daily, p.r.n. Recommended adjustment interval is 1 to 2 weeks.

Adverse reactions
CNS:
dizziness, vertigo, somnolence, drowsiness, asthenia, headache.
CV:
orthostatic hypotension, hypotension, edema, palpitations, arrhythmias, tachycardia.
EENT:
rhinitis, pharyngitis, abnormal vision.
GI:
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation.
Hematologic: leukopenia, neutropenia.
Musculoskeletal:
arthralgia, myalgia.
Respiratory:
dyspnea.
Skin:
rash, pruritus.
Other:
pain.

Interactions
Drug-herb.
Butcher's broom: possible diminished effect of doxazosin. Avoid concomitant use.

Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.

Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug and quinazoline derivatives (including prazosin and terazosin).

Nursing considerations

Patient teaching

*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine.  †Canada  ‡Australia  §U.K.  OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING

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