Doxazosin

About doxazosin

Doxazosin works in high blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels. This allows blood and oxygen to circulate more easily around the body, lowering blood pressure and reducing the strain on the heart.

Enlargement of the prostate gland can reduce the flow of urine from the bladder and it can lead to other urinary problems. Doxazosin helps to treat these symptoms by relaxing muscles around the bladder and prostate so that urine can be passed more easily.

Before taking doxazosin

Before taking doxazosin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from liver or heart problems.
• If you suffer from hypotension (low blood pressure) or dizziness when standing up from a sitting or lying position.
• If you have urinary tract problems, or have been told that you have bladder stones.
• If you have ever fainted after passing urine.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take doxazosin

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the printed information leaflet, if possible before beginning treatment.
• If you are taking doxazosin for the first time, take your very first dose at bedtime. Doxazosin can make you faint or feel faint when taken for the first time.
• If you have been given the modified release tablet, it should be swallowed whole and not chewed.
• Take these tablets with a small glass of water. They can be taken before or after food.
• Try to take this medicine at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you do forget to take a dose, leave out the missed dose and take the next dose on time. Do not take two doses together.
• Do not stop taking doxazosin without speaking with your doctor first.
• Never take more then the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of doxazosin contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Where possible take the container with you, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Doxazosin can cause dizziness particularly when you first start taking it. Make sure your reactions are normal and you can see properly before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside doxazosin.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking doxazosin. This is particularly important if you are having eye surgery whilst taking doxazosin.

Can doxazosin cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Other side-effects include: tiredness, weakness, swelling of the feet or lower legs, sleep disturbances and rhinitis (runny-nose).

How to store doxazosin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

Important information about all medicines