Cardura, also known by the generic name doxazosin, is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Its active ingredient is doxazosin, which helps to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. Alternative names for Cardura include doxazosin mesylate.
The price bracket for Cardura is from £0.23 to £1.29 per pills. Pricing nuances are influenced by pack dimensions and active ingredient consistency (30 or 360 mg).
Cardura contains the active ingredient doxazosin mesylate. This compound is classified as an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker. Its primary function is to relax veins and arteries for improved blood flow and lower blood pressure.
Cardura belongs to a class of medications known as alpha-adrenergic blockers. These medications are commonly used in the treatment of conditions such as hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), targeting the receptors that contribute to muscle contraction within blood vessels and the prostate.
Cardura is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. It can be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. Additionally, Cardura is used to manage the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), such as difficulty in urination and frequent urination.
Cardura is available in tablet form. The tablets are generally available in strengths of 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, and 8 mg. These varying dosages allow for tailored treatment plans based on the severity of the condition and patient response.
The usual starting dose of Cardura for treating hypertension is 1 mg, taken once daily. The dosage may be gradually increased based on the patient’s response and tolerance, usually to a maximum of 16 mg per day. For BPH, the starting dose is also 1 mg daily, which may be increased as needed to a maximum of 8 mg daily.
Doxazosin, the active ingredient in Cardura, works by inhibiting alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. This inhibition results in relaxation of the smooth muscle in blood vessels, leading to lowered blood pressure, and in the prostate and bladder neck, alleviating urinary symptoms associated with BPH.
After oral administration, Cardura is well-absorbed with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 2-3 hours. The bioavailability of doxazosin is approximately 65%. The drug is extensively metabolized in the liver and has a half-life of approximately 22 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing.
Cardura may interact with other medications. Concomitant use with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors may lead to significant blood pressure reductions. Combination with other antihypertensives could potentiate the effect. Inform patients to report all medications they are taking to evaluate possible interactions.
Common side effects of Cardura include dizziness, fatigue, headache, drowsiness, and edema. Some patients may experience gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea or abdominal pain. Less common but severe side effects include hypotension, syncope, and orthostatic hypotension.
Patients should be instructed to take Cardura exactly as prescribed. The tablet should be taken at the same time each day with or without food. If a dose is missed, the patient should take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose, in which case they should skip the missed dose.
Monitoring during Cardura treatment should include regular blood pressure checks to assess efficacy for hypertension. For patients with BPH, symptom relief should be monitored. Periodic liver function tests may also be advisable to monitor for hepatic side effects.
Cardura is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to doxazosin or other quinazolines. It should not be used in individuals with a history of orthostatic hypotension or those with severe hepatic impairment due to the risk of exacerbating these conditions.
The safety of Cardura during pregnancy has not been definitively established. It should only be used if clearly needed and the potential benefits justify the risks. It is unknown if doxazosin is excreted in human milk; caution should be exercised if Cardura is administered to nursing mothers.
Cardura should be stored at room temperature, between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Protect the tablets from light and moisture. Keep the medication out of reach of children and dispose of any expired or unused medication according to local guidelines.
Patients should be educated about potential interactions including those with nitrates and alcohol, as combining these with Cardura can enhance vasodilatory effects and increase the risk of severe hypotension. NSAIDs may reduce the antihypertensive effects of Cardura, necessitating dosage adjustments.
Patients should be counseled on the risk of dizziness and orthostatic hypotension, particularly within the first few hours after taking the dose or increasing the dosage. Advise patients to move from lying down or sitting to standing slowly to mitigate these effects.
When starting therapy, monitor the patient closely for the first few weeks. Initial administration should be undertaken with caution to avoid a sudden drop in blood pressure. Dose titration should be gradual, based on clinical response and tolerability.
No dosage adjustment is usually necessary for patients with renal impairment. Cardura is not significantly excreted via the kidneys, thereby making it a viable option for individuals with varying degrees of renal function.
Studies have included sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over. The drug appears to be similarly effective in older and younger patients. However, dose selection should generally be cautious, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function in this demographic.
The safety and efficacy of Cardura in pediatric patients have not been established. This medication is primarily used in adult populations, and its effects on children and adolescents remain inadequately studied.