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Cardura XL Side Effects
Headaches, dizziness, and respiratory tract infections are some of the most commonly reported side effects of Cardura XL. Although these reactions typically require little or no treatment, it is possible to experience potentially serious reactions while taking this drug. Notify your healthcare provider right away if you experience problems such as fainting, chest pain, or severe constipation.
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Just like any medicine, Cardura® XL (doxazosin XL) can cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses the medication will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Cardura XL. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)
Cardura XL has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occurred in a group of people taking the drug were documented and compared to the side effects that occurred in another group of people not taking the medicine. As a result, it was possible to see what side effects occurred, how often they appeared, and how they compared to the group not taking the medicine.
In these studies, the most common side effects of Cardura XL included:
- Headaches -- in up to 6 percent of men
- Dizziness -- up to 5.3 percent
- Respiratory tract infections (such as the common cold) -- up to 4.8 percent
- General weakness or lack of strength -- up to 3.9 percent
- Back pain -- up to 2.9 percent.
Other common side effects, occurring in 1 to 2 percent of men, included:
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Low blood pressure when rising suddenly (postural hypotension)
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Nausea
- Muscle pain
- Drowsiness
- A spinning sensation (vertigo)
- Shortness of breath
- A urinary tract infection (such as a bladder infection).
It should also be noted that less than 1 percent of men reported problems with impotence (also known as erectile dysfunction, or ED) or a decreased sex drive with this medication.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD