How does it work?

Doxazosin belongs to a class of medicines called alpha blockers. It works by blocking alpha receptors in certain areas of the body. Alpha receptors are present on the muscle which is in the wall of blood vessels. When the receptors are blocked by doxazosin, the muscle relaxes and the blood vessel widens. This widening of the blood vessels results in a lowering of blood pressure. Therefore, this medicine can be used to treat high blood pressure. Alpha receptors are also present on the muscle in the prostate gland. This gland is found only in men and lies at the top of the tube connecting the bladder to the outside (urethra). The prostate gland often enlarges with advancing age (benign prostatic hyperplasia), pressing on the urethra and obstructing the flow of urine from the bladder. This can cause various urinary symptoms such as poor flow of urine. By blocking the alpha receptors, doxazosin causes the muscle in the prostate to relax. This allows urine to flow freely past the prostate and relieves the urinary symptoms.

What is it used for?

Enlarged prostate gland

High blood pressure

Warning!

This medicine may cause fatigue and dizziness. If affected, caution is required when driving or operating machinery due to the possible reduction in physical and/or mental ability.

There is insufficient information regarding the safety and efficacy of this medicine in children. It is not recommended for children.

Use with caution in

Decreased liver function

Not to be used in

Allergy to related medicines (quinazolines)

Breastfeeding

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine in pregnancy has not been established. It should therefore be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine is present in breast milk. The effect on the infant is unknown. It is recommended not to use this medicine when breastfeeding or, alternatively, not to breastfeed when taking this medicine. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Inability of a man to have an erection (impotence)

Fatigue

Weakness

Balance problems involving the inner ear (vertigo)

Dizziness

Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)

Inflammation of the lining of the nose (rhinitis) causing a blocked or runny nose

Incontinence

A drop in blood pressure that occurs when going from lying down to sitting or standing, which results in dizziness and lightheadedness (postural hypotension)

Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

Disturbance in the components of the blood

Excessive fluid retention in the body tissues, resulting in swelling (oedema)

Persistent painful erection of the penis (priapism)

Blood in the urine (haematuria)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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