Can I Buy Generic Cardura XL?
Cardura® XL (
doxazosin XL) is a prescription medication that belongs to a group of drugs known as alpha-1 blockers. It is approved for treating the symptoms of an
enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or
BPH). This medication is not available in generic form.
Brand-name
Cardura XL is manufactured by Pfizer, Inc. Although the medication is not available in generic form, it appears that there are no patents that prevent
generic Cardura XL from being manufactured in the United States.
When Will a Generic Version Be Available?
This is a difficult question to answer. It is unclear why no generic manufacturers have chosen to make a generic version of Cardura XL. Perhaps, it is not financially beneficial for a generic manufacturer to invest in the technology to produce the special type of extended-release tablet, especially for a medication that is infrequently prescribed.
Is Doxazosin a Generic Cardura XL?
No --
doxazosin is the active ingredient in Cardura XL, not a generic version of it. What can be confusing is that the active ingredient of a drug is often referred to as the "generic name."
The generic name is different from a generic version of a medicine. In order for there to be a generic version of a medicine, the original medicine must have gone off-patent, and another company besides the original manufacturer must make the product.
Regular Cardura (immediate-release doxazosin tablets) is available in generic form. These products are not interchangeable with Cardura XL, and you must get a new prescription from your healthcare provider to switch between Cardura and Cardura XL.