Why have I been prescribed Kamiren (Doxazosin) Tablets?

• Kamiren (Doxazosin) Tablets is one of a group of medicines called alpha-blockers. It is used to treat high blood pressure, or the symptoms caused by enlargement of the prostate gland in men.

How does it work?

• Kamiren (Doxazosin) Tablets is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), by relaxing blood vessels so that blood passes through them more easily. This helps to lower blood pressure.
• In patients with an enlarged prostate gland, Kamiren (Doxazosin) Tablets is taken to treat poor and/or frequent passing of urine. This is common in patients with an enlarged prostate gland.
• Kamiren (Doxazosin) Tablets works by relaxing muscle around the bladder exit and prostate gland so urine is passed more easily.

When and how do I take it?

Swallow your medicine whole with water. Do not chew, divide or crush the tablets.

• Take your tablets as your doctor told you.
• It is important to keep taking your tablets. They help to control your blood pressure.
• Don't change the dose or stop taking the tablets without first checking with your doctor.

What’s the dose?

• The usual dose of Kamiren (Doxazosin) Tablets is one 4mg tablet taken once a day. Your doctor may wish to increase your dose to 8mg. This is the maximum dose of this medicine.

Could it interact with other tablets?

There are some medicines that may interact with Kamiren (Doxazosin) Tablets:

• Medicines for erectile dysfunction (impotence) such as sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil. Some patients who take alpha-blocker therapy for the treatment of high blood pressure or prostate enlargement may experience dizziness or light-headedness, which may be caused by low blood pressure upon sitting or standing up quickly. Certain patients have experienced these symptoms when taking drugs for erectile dysfunction (impotence) with alpha-blockers. In order to reduce the likelihood that these symptoms occur, you should be on a regular daily dose of your alpha blocker before you start drugs for erectile dysfunction.
• Cardura may lower your blood pressure even more if you are already taking other medicines to treat high blood pressure.

You should always tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicine, even those not prescribed, because they might interact with Kamiren (Doxazosin) Tablets.

Herbal products should also only be taken after talking with your doctor.

What are the possible risks or side-effects?

Like all medicines, Kamiren (Doxazosin) Tablets can cause side effects although not everybody gets them.

STOP taking Kamiren (Doxazosin) Tablets and call an ambulance immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Heart attack
• Increased, decreased or irregular heartbeat
• Weakness of arms, legs or problems speaking which may be symptoms of a stroke
• Allergic reactions (hypersensitivity). Symptoms include sudden wheeziness, tightness in chest, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face, tongue or throat, rash or itching (especially affecting the whole body)
• Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after taking Cardura:
• Chest pain (angina), wheezing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
• Feeling your heartbeat (palpitations)
• Fainting
• Yellowing of the skin or the eyes (jaundice)
• Low numbers of white blood cells or blood platelets, which may result in bruising or easy bleeding

The following events have been reported in patients being treated with Kamiren (Doxazosin) Tablets. If any of these side effects get serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor.

Common side effects:

These can affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 patients:

• dizziness, feeling of spinning or rotation of surroundings (vertigo), headache
• low blood pressure
• swelling of feet, ankles or fingers
• bronchitis, coughing, respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs) infection
• nasal stuffiness, sneezing and/or runny nose caused by inflammation of the lining of the nose (rhinitis)
• stomach/abdominal pains, feeling/being sick
• urinary tract infection, urinary incontinence (inability to control passing urine)
• sleepiness, general weakness
• indigestion, dry mouth
• itching
• back pain, painful muscles
• flu-like symptoms

Can I drink alcohol while taking it?

• There are no known interactions between alcohol and Kamiren (Doxazosin) Tablets
• Always ask you doctor or pharmacist however as other medications you are taking may have a bearing on this.

What if I’m pregnant/breastfeeding?

The safety of using Kamiren (Doxazosin) Tablets during pregnancy has not been established. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant speak to your doctor, who will decide if Kamiren (Doxazosin) Tablets is suitable for you.
Do not take Kamiren (Doxazosin) Tablets if you are breast-feeding.

If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.

Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children
Please Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doxazosin

http://www.drugs.com/cdi/cardura-xl-extended-release-tablets.html

http://www.rxlist.com/cardura-xl-side-effects-drug-center.htm

http://www.medicinenet.com/doxazosin_mesylate/article.htm