Sign inBefore 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 have liver problems.
- If you have heart problems including heart failure.
- If you have ever had hypotension (low blood pressure) or dizziness when standing up from a sitting or lying position.
- If you have ever fainted after passing urine.
- If you have overflow incontinence (you do not feel the urge to urinate), or anuria (your body is not producing any urine), with or without kidney problems.
- 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
- Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
- Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Doxazosin tablets should be taken once daily.
- 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 forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Doxazosin can cause dizziness particularly when you first start taking it. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, using machines or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
- 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.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Can doxazosin cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects | What can I do if I experience this |
| Dizziness, light-headedness or fainting, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position | Getting up slowly may help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness returning |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor |
| Tiredness, weakness, sleep disturbances | If you feel sleepy, don't drive or use machines |
| Swelling of the feet or lower legs | Try sitting with your legs raised on a buffet or stool. If this persists, speak with your doctor |
| Shortness of breath, cough, runny nose | If these side-effects persist, speak with your doctor or pharmacist |
| Aches and pains | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller |
| Dry mouth | Try chewing sugar-free sweets or gum |
| Feeling or being sick | Eat little and often. Stick to simple, bland foods |
How to store doxazosin
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Doxazosin 1mg, 2mg, 4mg Tablets, Dexcel Pharma Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated October 2009.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Cardura® XL, Pfizer Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated September 2009.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Raporsin® XL Tablets, Actaviss UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated November 2009.
- British National Formulary; 62nd Edition (Sep 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)