Doxazosin mesylate
Doxazosin mesylate (Cardura)
Doxazosin Mesylate
(dox- AYZ-oh-sin)
Pregnancy Category: B Cardura Cardura-1, -2, -4 (Rx)

Classification: Antihypertensive

Action/Kinetics: Blocks the alpha-1 (postjunctional) adrenergic receptors resulting in a decrease in systemic vascular resistance and a corresponding decrease in BP. Peak plasma levels: 2-3 hr. Peak effect: 2-6 hr. Significantly bound (98%) to plasma proteins. Metabolized in the liver to active and inactive metabolites, which are excreted through the feces and urine. t 1/2: 22 hr.

Uses: Alone or in combination with diuretics, calcium channel blockers, or beta blockers to treat hypertension. Treatment of BPH.

Contraindications: Clients allergic to prazosin or terazosin.

Special Concerns: Use with caution during lactation, in impaired hepatic function, or in those taking drugs known to influence hepatic metabolism. Safety and effectiveness have not been demonstrated in children. Due to the possibility of severe hypotension, do not use the 2-, 4-, and 8-mg tablets for initial therapy.

Side Effects: CV: Dizziness (most frequent), syncope, vertigo, lightheadedness, edema, palpitation, arrhythmia, postural hypotension, tachycardia, peripheral ischemia. CNS: Fatigue, headache, paresthesia, kinetic disorders, ataxia, somnolence, nervousness, depression, insomnia. Musculoskeletal: Arthralgia, arthritis, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, myalgia, hypertonia. GU: Polyuria, sexual dysfunction, urinary incontinence, urinary frequency. GI: Nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence, abdominal pain, vomiting. Respiratory: Fatigue or malaise, rhinitis, epistaxis, dyspnea. Miscellaneous: Rash, pruritus, flushing, abnormal vision, conjunctivitis, eye pain, tinnitus, chest pain, asthenia, facial edema, generalized pain, slight weight gain.

Overdose Management: Symptoms: Hypotension. Treatment: IV fluids.

How Supplied: Tablet: 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg

Dosage
?Tablets Hypertension.
Adults: initial, 1 mg once daily at bedtime; then, depending on the response (client's standing BP both 2-6 hr and 24 hr after a dose), the dose may be increased to 2 mg/day. A maximum of 16 mg/day may be required to control BP.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Initial: 1 mg once daily. Maintenance: Depending on the urodynamics and symptoms, dose may be increased to 2 mg daily and then 4-8 mg once daily (maximum recommended dose). The recommended titration interval is 1-2 weeks.