Could Doxazosin be the answer for your enlarged prostate symptoms?
Can it control high blood pressure?
This video will break down all the important questions you may have about this medication.
Doxazosin belongs to a group of medications called alpha blockers.
These medications help relax muscle fibres, that live in both your urinary system, and
your blood vessels.
Among patients with enlarged prostates, a condition known as Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy,
this relaxation of muscle fibres within the urinary system, improves the flow of urine
and eases your symptoms.
Because Doxazosin also relaxes muscle fibres within your blood vessels, this action reduces
strain on your cardiovascular system.
This makes doxazosin also an effective medication to help control high blood pressure.
Is there anyone who should not take Doxazosin?
It is best to speak with your doctor before taking this medication if you have any of
the following conditions:
• You have experienced a prior allergic reaction to Doxazosin, or other alpha blockers.
• You suffer from a low blood pressure, including patient with
o Postural hypotension, where your blood pressure drops significantly on standing.
o Micturition syncope, where you feel dizzy or faint while passing urine.
• Where you have lost the sensation of needing to pee, or cannot pass urine.
• You are due to have eye surgery
Women, of child bearing age, taking this medication to control high blood pressure, need to be
aware that doxazosin is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breast feeding.
This is because studies investigating the safety of doxazosin in pregnancy are limited.
Doxazosin should only be used in pregnancy when your doctor deems that the benefits of
taking this medication outweigh the potential risk to you and your baby.
What is the correct dose of Doxazosin?
Doxazosin is available in a variety of strengths, including 1 – 8 mg tablets.
Doxazosin is available in both immediate and slow-release preparations.
The dose prescribed will be dependent on your indication.
The common starting dose for doxazosin is 1mg taken once daily.
The maximum licensed dose for prostate symptoms is 8mg, but higher doses up to 16 mg may be
prescribed to control high blood pressure.
After a few weeks, your doctor, will evaluate your response to treatment, and consider an
appropriate dose adjustment.
How to take Doxazosin
Take your Doxazosin at the same time everyday.
Take this medication with or without food, but always with a glass of water.
How long does it take for Doxazosin to work?
Doxazosin gets to work helping to control your blood pressure within a few hours of
taking this medication.
If you are taking Doxazosin for an enlarged prostate it may take a few days of regular
use to notice an improvement.
Are there any foods I should avoid?
There are no foods you need to avoid whilst taking doxazosin.
Can I Drink Alcohol with this medication?
The vast majority will not experience any negative effects of consuming Alcohol alongside
their Doxazosin.
However for some the combination can cause dizzines or even lightheaded.
If you experience these symptoms when consuming alcohol, its best to avoid.
I have missed my dose.
What should I do?
If you forget to take your Doxazosin on time, do not worry, take it as soon as you remember.
However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one.
Please, remember to take your next dose at the regular time.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
I have accidentally taken too much medication.
Doxazosin in overdose can be dangerous.
Symptoms of overdose can include: • Severe dizziness & fainting
If you believe you have taken an overdose of this medication, please seek an emergency
assessment.
Are there any side effects?
Fortunately, most will not experience any side effects.
However, as with all medications, side effects can occur.
Common side-effects are: • Dizziness, drowsiness and low blood pressure
• Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain or palpitations
• Swollen hands, feet and ankles.
• Urinary infections and Cystitis o AND
• Nausea, abdominal pain
Rarely, people may experience more concerning side effects.
If you experience any of the following, please consult with your doctor urgently:
• Angina – where you experience a tightening chest pain on exertion or even at rest.
• Insomnia, anxiety or depression • Change in appetite, constipation or diarrhoea
• Unexplained bruising or bleeding • Sexual dysfunction
o AND • Priapism – A painful and prolonged erection
which requires immediate medical review.
Allergic reactions are concerning as they may be life-threatening.
Fortunately, life-threatening allergic reactions are rare.
Those with serious allergic reactions should call emergency services for assistance.
Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, and throat
• Difficulty breathing, wheezing or chest tightness
• Allergic skin rash
Of course, this list is not exhaustive.
For a full list of side effects refer to the drug information leaflet that comes with your
medications.
I hope this video has supplied the answers you were looking for.
Thank you for watching.