Doxazosin

Doxazosin: use, indications, side effects and contraindications

Doxazosin is a selective alpha1-blocker used to treat hypertension, including isolated systolic hypertension in older men, hypertension due to metabolic disorders, chronic heart failure, pheochromocytoma, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and urinary obstruction.

Doxazosin is produced by several companies, including Biotek MFPDC/New-Pharm Inc. in Canada, ZiO-Zdorovye and Niopik GNC in Russia, New-Pharm/ALSI, New-Pharm/Vector and NewPharm Inc. in Canada, and Obolenskoe Pharmaceutical Enterprise in Russia. Doxazosin is available in tablet form in dosages of 2 mg and 4 mg.

The active substance of doxazosin is doxazosin mesylate. It blocks alpha1-adrenergic receptors, which are found on the smooth muscle of blood vessels, causing vasodilation and lowering blood pressure.

Like any other drug, doxazosin has a number of contraindications and side effects. Some of the contraindications include hypersensitivity to doxazosin, aortic and mitral valve stenosis, pulmonary embolism, severe liver dysfunction, pregnancy and childhood.

Side effects may include hypotension, dizziness, syncope, postural orthostatic hypotension, nervousness, irritability, abnormal drowsiness, edema, tachycardia, arrhythmias, fatigue, shortness of breath, headache, blurred vision, rhinitis, xerostomia, abdominal discomfort, nausea, constipation, chest pain, cerebrovascular accident and urinary incontinence.

Doxazosin may also interact with other drugs. NSAIDs, estrogens and sympathomimetics can reduce the hypotensive effect of doxazosin, and inducers of microsomal oxidation in the liver can enhance its effect.

In case of doxazosin overdose, symptoms such as hypotension and syncope may occur. In such cases, the patient must be placed in a horizontal position and ensure the maintenance of vital functions. Treatment should be symptomatic and aimed at maintaining blood circulation and breathing.

Before you start taking doxazosin, you should consult with your doctor and tell him or her about any health concerns you have, as well as any medications or supplements you are taking. The doctor must also evaluate the indications for treatment and prescribe the required dose.

Overall, doxazosin is an effective drug for the treatment of hypertension and other diseases, but its use should only be under medical supervision to prevent possible side effects and complications.