Doxazosin (Systemic)
Brand Names : Cardura, Cardura–1, Cardura–2, Cardura–4
Category- Antihypertensive
- benign prostatic hyperplasia therapy agent
DescriptionDoxazosin (dox-AY-zoe-sin) belongs to the general class of medicines
called antihypertensives. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If
it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly.
This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting
in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also
increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur
if blood pressure is controlled.
Doxazosin works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood passes through
them more easily. This helps to lower blood pressure.
Doxazosin is also used to treat benign (noncancerous) enlargement of the
prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH]). Benign enlargement of the prostate
is a problem that can occur in men as they get older. The prostate gland is
located below the bladder. As the prostate gland enlarges, certain muscles
in the gland may become tight and get in the way of the tube that drains urine
from the bladder. This can cause problems in urinating, such as a need to
urinate often, a weak stream when urinating, or a feeling of not being able
to empty the bladder completely.
Doxazosin helps relax the muscles in the prostate and the opening of the
bladder. This may help increase the flow of urine and/or decrease the symptoms.
However, doxazosin will not shrink the prostate. The prostate may continue
to get larger. This may cause the symptoms to become worse over time. Therefore,
even though doxazosin may lessen the problems caused by enlarged prostate
now, surgery still may be needed in the future.
Doxazosin is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following
dosage form:
Oral
-
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Brand NamesSome commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S. -
In Canada -
- Cardura-1
- Cardura-2
- Cardura-4
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