Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S

About

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland especially affecting elderly men with the likelihood of increasing as the age increases. This results in difficulties related to urination, ejaculation problems, etc. This is also used to treat high blood pressure alongside other antihypertensives. Several medicines designed to treat this condition are available either alone or in combination. Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-adrenergic receptor blockers used to treat benign prostate hyperplasia/ hypertrophy in men. 

Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S is chemically composed of Doxazosin Mesylate. Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S shows its therapeutic effects by inhibiting the alpha1 - adrenergic receptors, found in the muscles of blood vessels, heart, urinary tract, and gut. This leads to relaxation of vessel walls causing a decrease in blood pressure. Similarly, it helps relieve symptoms of prostate hyperplasia by relaxing the bladder muscles.  Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S is prescribed for the duration as decided by your doctor depending on the condition under treatment. 

Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S is available in form of oral tablets to be taken only once per day. Taking it with a meal will help you avoid stomach problems. The course of treatment with Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S is usually prolonged and the onset of clinical improvement is slow when treating BPH, always consult a physician regarding your condition. In case of high blood pressure, it will be brought down in 6 hours and as for BPH, it can take 1 to 2 weeks before any clinical progress can be noticed. Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S is not prescribed to children under 18 years of age and women who are pregnant or planning to have a family. The most common side effects observed with Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S include nausea, vomiting, erection problems, and fainting spells among others. 

Indications

Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S is prescribed to men and women for the treat:

• Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

• Hypertension

How does Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S work?

Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-1 receptor inhibitors. Doxazosin, contained in Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S works by specifically inhibiting receptors for key neurotransmitters (catecholamines) involved in controlling several important functions of the human body via the sympathetic nervous system. These receptors bind catecholamines which influence blood vessels causing them to constrict and hence exert pressure on the vessel walls. Limiting this all-important binding of neurotransmitters to its specific receptor removes the stress from blood vessels by causing them to relax and destress the pressure within. Blocking this interaction also relaxes bladder muscles that help relieve retained urine because of enlarged prostate pressurizing the urethra. 

How to use Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S?

Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S is available in the form of oral tablets. You may take it with food if you experience stomach side effects. Swallow the tablets with a glass of water without chewing. Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S is usually prescribed to be taken once a day for long durations or as decided by your doctor. Make sure to take it at the same time every day till full prescription, always ask a doctor before stopping the treatment. Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S must be stored in a cool, moisture-free environment away from direct sunlight/heat. 

Release Type

Immediate release (IR) - Instantaneously absorbed after ingestion, clinical effects are fast

Extended-Release (ER) - Stays in blood for longer periods, maintains a steady level of the chemical in the body, requiring less frequent doses 

Available Potency and forms of Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S 

Tablets - 1 mg

Tablets - 2 mg

Tablets - 4 mg

Tablets - 8 mg

Dosage

Adult dose

Hypertension

To treat high blood pressure, you can start the dose with low-strength tablets as follows:

Starting Dose: 1 mg taken orally once a day. This can be gradually increased up to 16 mg over some time with close monitoring of symptoms and response to the therapy.

Maximum Daily Safe Dose: 16 mg per day, orally

Enlarged Prostate (BPH)

Immediate Release (IR) :

Starting Dose: 1 mg  taken orally once a day

This can be gradually increased up to 8 mg throughout 1 to 2 weeks with close monitoring of symptoms and response to the therapy

Extended-Release (ER): 

Starting Dose: 4 mg  taken orally once a day

This can be gradually increased up to 8 mg over 3 to 4 weeks with close monitoring of symptoms and response to the therapy

Pediatric Dose

Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S  is not safe to be prescribed to children or adolescents under 18 years of age

Elderly Dose

Hypertension

Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S pose a risk to the elderly population when treating blood pressure, it can lead to postural hypotension therefore starting with minimal effective doses is advised which can be gradually increased when needed after scrutiny

 Starting dose: 0.5 mg  taken orally once a day usually in the morning

This can be progressively increased up to 16 mg over some time with close monitoring of symptoms and response to the therapy

Maximum Daily Safe Dose: 16 mg

Enlarged Prostate (BPH)

Immediate Release (IR) :

Starting Dose: 1 mg  taken orally once a day

This can be gradually increased up to 8 mg throughout 1 to 2 weeks with close monitoring of symptoms and response to the therapy

Extended-Release (ER): 

Starting Dose: 4 mg  taken orally once a day

This can be gradually increased up to 8 mg over 3 to 4 weeks with close monitoring of symptoms and response to the therapy

Pregnancy use and lactation

Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S is FDA pregnancy risk category C which has shown adverse effects on the unborn baby in studies and trials conducted on animals, therefore if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to conceive a baby, please consult your doctor. Also Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S may be secreted into human milk, if you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking it.

Contraindications

Please inform your doctor if you have a history of any before using Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S:

• Allergic reaction to Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S or one of its constituents (read the label carefully)

• Prostate hyperplasia along with low blood pressure 

• Postural hypotension 

• Urine incontinence

• Obstruction in urinary tract/ stones 

• Pregnancy 

Precautions

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions while using Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S:

• History of drug-associated allergies. Carefully read the label for the composition of your medicine

• Before starting the treatment with Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S make sure to eliminate the possibility of prostate cancer

• Mild to moderate liver disease

• If you have a history of heart conditions monitor closely since ‌Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S tends to alter blood pressure

• Use of  Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S can lead to severe hypotension, its use in the elderly population is not advised. When used in combination with other blood pressure medicines, careful watch out for changes in blood pressure, it can drop very low or cause postural hypotension 

• If you have an eye condition like cataract/ glaucoma and intend to get the surgery done, always ask your doctor. Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S can create problems for you since many cases of “Floppy iris syndrome” have been reported with alpha-blockers

• Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S tends to alter blood cell count in some patients like neutrophils, and white blood cells, depleting their amount in the blood. Monitoring is advised

• When starting with Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S, during dose adjustment or stopping the medicine, caution should be practiced since it can lead to hypotension or postural hypotension. Avoid driving or using sharp/heavy items during such times 

• Fainting spells can happen as a result of low blood pressure, make sure you understand how Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S works on you and manage accordingly

• Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S must not be used during pregnancy since it can cause birth deformities in unborn babies. Breastfeeding mothers must also ask a doctor first

• In some patients Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S has been reported to cause erection problems, your doctor must discuss this in detail with you

• Consumption of alcohol is not advised with Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S

Interaction with other medications

Certain medications could interact with Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S, hence, in that case, your doctor might alter your dosage. Please inform your doctor about the use of the following or any other drugs before taking Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S:

• Other alpha antagonists like prazosin

• Sildenafil

• Tadalafil 

• Baclofen 

• Azole Antifungals 

• Nitrates 

• Antidepressants like fluoxetine 

• Beta-blockers 

• Ethanol 

• Phenylephrine 

• Levodopa 

• Strong CYP3A inhibitors like azole antifungals, clarithromycin, nefazodone 

Adverse effects

Like most medicines, Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S has some side effects which include:

Common Side effects

• Nausea 

• Headache

• Flatulence 

• Abdominal pain 

• Fatigue 

• Dizziness

• Somnolence 

• Edema of feet

• Itching on the skin 

• Flu-like symptoms 

Rare Side Effects

• Hypersensitivity/allergic skin reactions 

• Loss of appetite 

• Urine infections 

• Cystitis 

• Hypotension 

• Shortness of breath 

• Tachycardia 

• Anxiety 

• Shortness of breath 

• Chest pain 

• Painful erections 

• Jaundiced skin 

• Rhinitis 

• Heart failure

• Muscle pain 

HOW TO DEAL WITH SOME OF THE SIDE EFFECTS

• Fatigue - Patients experiencing this adverse effect are advised to take deep breaths, intake tea or coffee, get a good night’s rest, and not overburden themselves for a few days.

• Headaches - In which case make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid the use of alcohol. Take a prescribed painkiller. Consult your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe

• Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting) or diarrhea - Avoid eating rich or spicy food. It might help to take medication after food. If you're sick, try drinking small, frequent sips of water.

• Feeling dizzy (lightheaded) or weak - If the medication makes you feel dizzy or weak, stop what you're doing and sit or lie down until you feel better, and do not rise too fast or immediately from a sitting or lying down position to a standing posture. Do not drive or use tools or machinery in case of any of these effects.

• Muscular Aches and Pains - A hot or cold compress can be placed at the area of discomfort to bring relief; an over-the-counter pain reliever such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be ingested to bring ease as well. Avoid high-intensity exercise while suffering from muscular pain.

• Flu-like symptoms - To manage symptoms, patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest and sleep. Take an antihistamine, a nasal decongestant, or a lozenge to feel better when needed.

FAQs

#1. WHAT EXACTLY DOES Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S DO?

Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S is used to treat enlarged prostate and some high blood pressure. It does so by inhibiting the alpha1 - adrenergic receptors, found in the muscles of blood vessels, heart, urinary tract, and gut. Blockage of these receptors helps smooth muscles relax and decrease pressure. 

#2. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S TO START WORKING?

In case of high blood pressure, it will be brought down in 6 hours and as for BPH, it can take 1 to 2 weeks before any clinical progress can be noticed. 

#3. CAN I STOP TAKING Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S?

Do not just stop taking the medicine on your own, make sure to complete your treatment course even if you feel better. Stopping it suddenly may cause the return of your symptoms. Your doctor would adjust the dose before stopping it completely.

#4. CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL WITH Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S?

Consuming alcohol when taking Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S may cause excessive dizziness and could increase the risk of liver damage and may interact with this drug, hence should be avoided. 

#5. WHAT IF I TAKE TOO MUCH OF Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S?

Taking more than required can cause serious side effects. If you have taken too much of the prescribed Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S you may experience symptoms of toxicity which will vary depending on the dose ingested, for example, fast pounding, irregular heartbeat, upset stomach, blurred vision, fainting, dizziness, seizures, or life-threatening severe symptoms. Contact your doctor or emergency immediately if you have any of these symptoms.

#6. WHAT IF I FORGET TO TAKE Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S?

Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S is taken once every night so you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember unless it's about time until your next dose, in which case you should skip the missed dose. If it helps to remind you, set an alarm, or use a pill organizer or a mobile application so you do not miss any dose. Make sure to complete your course of treatment even if you feel better and think you do not need to take it anymore.

#7. CAN I TAKE Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S DURING PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING?

Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S has safety concerns for unborn babies and can cause serious defects in these babies. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to conceive a baby, please consult your doctor before using Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S. If you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S. 

#8. CAN I DRIVE OR RIDE A BIKE AFTER TAKING Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S?

Know how your body handles the medicine. Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S is known to make you dizzy so make sure you know how your body reacts while using ‘product’. Do not drive or use any sharp or heavy machinery until you feel normal again. Especially when starting with Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S, during dose adjustment or stopping the medicine, caution should be practiced since it can lead to hypotension or postural hypotension. Avoid driving or using sharp/heavy items during such times.

#9. IS IT SAFE TO HAVE {{PRODUCT}} BEFORE UNDERGOING ANY SURGERY?

Always discuss with your doctor, that if it is safe for you to keep taking Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S. If you have an eye condition like cataract/ glaucoma and intend to get surgery done, always ask your doctor. Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S can create problems for you since many cases of “Floppy iris syndrome” have been reported with alpha-blockers. 

#10. HOW TO STORE Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S?

Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S is to be kept away from the reach of children, in a cool dry place at room temperature away from direct sunlight and humidity as that tends to ruin certain drugs.

#11. CAN Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S AFFECT MY SEXUAL ACTIVITY?

Sexual dysfunction like erectile problems has been reported with Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S. You must discuss this with your consultant. 

#12. WILL Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S AFFECT  MY FERTILITY?

Cardura 2mg Tablet 10 'S is not known to cause fertility issues, if you have a concern discuss this with your doctor.