Doxazosin
Also known as: Cardura
What it's for
Doxazosin lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. It also treats symptoms of an enlarged prostate in men, helping with urinary flow.
Comes as: Tablets
How to take it
- For blood pressure: Usually start with 1mg once daily, increased gradually.
- For prostate: Usually 1mg to 8mg once daily.
- Take at the same time each day.
- Modified-release tablets are taken in the morning with food.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Dizziness, especially when standing up
- Headache
- Feeling tired or weak
- Swelling in ankles
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Can cause dizziness when you first start - get up slowly from sitting or lying
- First dose may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure
- Take the first dose at bedtime to reduce dizziness
- Tell your doctor if you have liver problems
Get medical help urgently if…
- You faint or feel very dizzy
- You have chest pain
- You have a painful erection lasting more than 4 hours
- You have difficulty breathing
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.