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Cardura XL

Generic name: doxazosindox-AY-zo-sin ]
Brand names: Cardura, Cardura XL
Drug classes: Alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonists, Antiadrenergic agents, peripherally acting

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 26, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Cardura XL?

Cardura XL is an alpha-adrenergic (AL-fa ad-ren-ER-jik) blockers. This medicine relaxes your veins and arteries so that blood can more easily pass through them. It also relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.

Cardura XL is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), or to improve urination in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).

The extended-release form of doxazosin (Cardura XL) is for use only in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia and should not be used to treat hypertension.

Cardura XL may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Cardura XL side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Cardura XL may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of Cardura XL may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking Cardura XL?

You should not use Cardura XL if you are allergic to Cardura XL or similar medicines such as alfuzosin (Uroxatral), prazosin (Minipress), silodosin (Rapaflo), tamsulosin (Flomax), or terazosin (Hytrin).

To make sure Cardura XL is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

Cardura XL can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Tell your eye surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medication. Do not stop using this medicine before surgery unless your surgeon tells you to.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether doxazosin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take Cardura XL?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Cardura XL lowers blood pressure and may cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you first start taking it, or when you start taking it again.

You may feel very dizzy when you first wake up. Be careful when standing or sitting up from a lying position.

Call your doctor if you have severe dizziness or feel like you might pass out.

While using Cardura XL, your blood pressure or prostate may need to be checked often.

If you stop taking Cardura XL for any reason, ask your doctor before you start taking it again. You may need a dose adjustment.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

If you miss your doses for several days in a row, call your doctor before restarting the medication. You may need a lower dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme dizziness or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking Cardura XL?

Cardura XL may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

To prevent dizziness, avoid standing for long periods of time or becoming overheated during exercise and in hot weather.

Drinking alcohol with Cardura XL can cause side effects.

What other drugs will affect Cardura XL?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with doxazosin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.