Doxazosin (Cardura) Uses

Doxazosin is used to treat urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland in men. Symptoms of BPH can include urinary frequency, urgency, hesitancy, weak urinary stream, dribbling, pain with urination, and incomplete emptying of the bladder.

Doxazosin is also used, alone or with other blood pressure medications, to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

There may be other uses of doxazosin—your doctor or pharmacist can give you further drug information.

Doxazosin (Cardura) Mechanism of Action

Doxazosin works by relaxing the muscles in the urinary bladder and prostate gland and allowing urine to flow more easily. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and making blood flow easier.

Doxazosin (Cardura) Doses

Doxazosin is available as a 1 mg tablet, 2 mg tablet, 4 mg tablet, and 8 mg tablet. It is also available as a 4 mg and 8 mg extended-release tablet. The usual dose of doxazosin is as follows: 

To treat an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia): The initial dosing regimen is 1 mg once daily. This can be increased at 1-2 week intervals up to a maximum dose of 8 mg once daily.

To treat high blood pressure: The initial dose is usually 1 mg once daily. This can be increased up to a maximum recommended dose of 16 mg once daily, if needed, based on blood pressure response.