CARDURA
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING CARDURA.
DOXAZOSIN - ORAL (dox-AZE-oh-sin)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Cardura
USES:
CARDURA relaxes and dilates (expands) blood vessels resulting in
lowered blood pressure. It is used to treat hypertension (high blood
pressure).
OTHER USES:
CARDURA may also be used for treating heart failure. CARDURA can
also be used in males for prostate enlargement symptoms such as
urinary hesitancy and/or urgency.
HOW TO TAKE CARDURA:
Take CARDURA exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time
each day. Take the first dose at bedtime to minimize the chances of
getting dizzy or fainting. It is important to continue taking
CARDURA even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure
do not feel sick. Do not stop taking CARDURA without consulting your
doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly
stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, headache, constipation, loss
of appetite, dry mouth, tiredness, stuffy nose, blurred vision, dry
eyes or trouble sleeping may occur the first several days as your
body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or
become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you
experience:
chest pain, depression, swelling of hands or feet, sexual problems.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but
very serious side effects occur:
persistent sore throat, fever, easy bleeding or bruising, nausea,
stomach pain, yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine. Males - though it
is unlikely to occur, if you get a painful, prolonged erection, stop
using CARDURA and seek immediate medical attention. In the unlikely
event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate
medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice
other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of:
liver or kidney disease, allergies (especially to other quinazolines
such as prazosin). To avoid dizziness or fainting, get up slowly
from a lying or seated position; especially when you first start
using CARDURA or if your doctor changes your dosing. Limit your
intake of alcohol and avoid getting overheated because they may
increase the dizziness and drowsiness effects of CARDURA. Use
caution performing tasks requiring alertness such as driving or
using machinery. CARDURA should be used only when clearly needed
during pregnancy. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both
prescription and nonprescription). Avoid any drugs that increase
your heart rate or make you excited like decongestants because it
may counteract your blood pressure medicine. Decongestants are
commonly found in over-the-counter cough and cold products. Do not
start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
dizziness and weakness.
NOTES:
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while
taking CARDURA. Learn how to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss
this with your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor may schedule lab
tests periodically to see how the drug is working.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is
almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and
resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the
dose to catch up. Check with your doctor if 2 or more doses have
been missed.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For
information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In
Canada call 1-800-668-1507.
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