Prostate Channel
Topics & Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Cardura XL Warnings and Precautions
It's important to be aware of the safety precautions with Cardura XL before taking the drug, including warnings of possible drug interactions, side effects, and allergic reactions. To avoid potential complications, make sure your healthcare provider is aware of any health conditions you have, such as liver disease, low blood pressure, or a history of a heart attack.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Cardura® XL (doxazosin XL) if you have:- Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Chest pain (angina)
- A history of a heart attack in the previous six months
- An intestinal stricture (narrowing)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Any allergies, including to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
- Have an upcoming cataract surgery
- Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Are breastfeeding.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Specific Precautions and Warnings With Cardura XL
Some warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking this medicine include the following:- Cardura XL can cause low blood pressure (hypotension). This can be especially severe in people who already have low blood pressure or who take blood pressure medications. Cardura XL commonly causes dizziness, which may interfere with your ability to drive, operate heavy machinery, or focus mentally.
- Before you start Cardura XL, your healthcare provider should make sure your enlarged prostate symptoms are not caused by another condition, such as prostate cancer or bladder problems.
- Medications like Cardura XL have been reported to cause Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome, a problem with the eyes that can occur during cataract surgery. Stopping the medication before surgery probably does not prevent this problem from occurring. Before having eye surgery, make sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have been on Cardura XL.
- Cardura XL should not be used in people with severe liver disease, as the potential risks in these cases have not been adequately studied.
- The outer shell of Cardura XL tablets does not dissolve. It is normal to notice them in your stools. This type of tablet can rarely cause intestinal blockages in people with strictures of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Cardura XL has not been studied in people with congestive heart failure, chest pain, or a history of a recent heart attack. If you notice new or worsening chest pain while taking this medication, seek immediate medical attention.
- Cardura XL can potentially interact with many other medications (see Cardura XL Interactions).
- Cardura XL is a pregnancy Category C medication. This means that it may not be safe for use during pregnancy, although the full risks are unknown (see Cardura XL and Pregnancy). Importantly, Cardura XL is not approved for any use in women.
- It is not known if Cardura XL passes through breast milk in humans. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start breastfeeding, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug (see Cardura XL and Breastfeeding).
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD