Generic name: Doxazosin Extended-Release Tablets [ doks-AY-zoe-sin ]
Brand name: Cardura XL
Drug classes: Alpha blockers, Antiadrenergic agents, peripherally acting

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 3, 2024.

Uses of Doxazosin Extended-Release Tablets:

• In men, it is used to treat the signs of an enlarged prostate.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Doxazosin Extended-Release Tablets?

• If you have an allergy to doxazosin or any other part of this medicine (doxazosin extended-release tablets).
• If you are allergic to this medicine (doxazosin extended-release tablets); any part of this medicine (doxazosin extended-release tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have liver disease.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (doxazosin extended-release tablets).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (doxazosin extended-release tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Doxazosin Extended-Release Tablets?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (doxazosin extended-release tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this medicine (doxazosin extended-release tablets) affects you.
• You may see something that looks like the tablet in your stool. This is normal and not a cause for concern. If you have questions, talk with your doctor.
• To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
• Check your blood pressure as you have been told.
• If you are having cataract surgery or other eye procedure, talk with your doctor.
• If taking for an enlarged prostate, have a rectal exam (to check prostate gland) and blood work (PSA test) as you have been told by the doctor.
• If you are taking this medicine (doxazosin extended-release tablets) and have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before using OTC products that may raise blood pressure. These include cough or cold drugs, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and some natural products or aids.
• If you are 70 years or older, use this medicine (doxazosin extended-release tablets) with care. You could have more side effects.
• This medicine is not approved for use in women. If you are a woman using this medicine (doxazosin extended-release tablets), talk with your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

How is this medicine (Doxazosin Extended-Release Tablets) best taken?

Use this medicine (doxazosin extended-release tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take with breakfast.
• Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• If you have trouble swallowing, talk with your doctor.
• Keep taking this medicine (doxazosin extended-release tablets) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• If you miss taking this medicine (doxazosin extended-release tablets) for a few days in a row, call your doctor before you start taking it again.

Related/similar drugs

amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol, losartan, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, tamsulosin, finasteride, nitroglycerin, tadalafil

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Chest pain that is new or worse.
• Shortness of breath.
• Swelling in the arms or legs.
• Call your doctor right away if you have a painful erection (hard penis) or an erection that lasts for longer than 4 hours. This may happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it may lead to lasting sex problems and you may not be able to have sex.

What are some other side effects of Doxazosin Extended-Release Tablets?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak.
• Headache.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Doxazosin Extended-Release Tablets?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (doxazosin extended-release tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer