Apo-Doxazosin tablets 4mg contain Doxazosin, an alpha-blocker that binds to the alpha adrenergic receptor in smooth muscle in the prostate gland and in blood vessel walls; and is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and hypertension.

Doxazosin general information

What is Doxazosin used for?

Apo-Doxazosin tablets 4mg are used to treat hypertension, which is high blood pressure when at rest. Lowering blood pressure reduces risk cardiovascular disease like stroke and heart attack due to high blood pressure. Apo-Doxazosin tablets 4mg can be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs such as diuretics or beta blockers, particularly if other medications alone do not provide adequate control of blood pressure or if they are contraindicated. Apo-Doxazosin tablets 4mg are also used to treat urinary outflow obstruction, which is a functional symptom of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate gland. Apo-Doxazosin tablets 4mg relieves the symptoms of urinary retention caused by restricted urine flow as the prostate becomes enlarged and presses against the urethra (urine outlet tube from the bladder). Reducing the pressure on the urethra helps urine to flow more easily, preventing urine backlog in the bladder and restoring bladder control. This relieves symptoms like need for frequent urination, inability to empty the bladder, strain and difficulty passing urine. The improved urine flow and reduction in symptoms may reduce the need for surgery.

How does Doxazosin work?

Apo-Doxazosin tablets 4mg contain Doxazosin, a quinazoline derivative that acts as an alpha1-blocker (also known as alpha-adrenergic antagonist) that binds selectively to the alpha adrenergic receptor in smooth muscle found in the prostate gland and in blood vessel walls. Doxazosin in Apo-Doxazosin tablets 4mg binds to alpha adrenergic receptors in smooth muscle in the walls of blood vessels and blocks the action of naturally occurring adrenergic chemicals like noradrenaline, a chemical that causes smooth muscle cells to contract and tighten. This allows peripheral arteries to relax and widen (vasodilation) thereby reducing peripheral resistance to blood flow and reducing workload on the heart, which is the force needed for the heart to pump blood around the body, and this decreases blood pressure. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is due to overgrowth of the smooth muscle cells within the prostate gland and increased muscle tone of these cells. Doxazosin in Apo-Doxazosin tablets 4mg relaxes these muscle cells which relieves the pressure exerted by the enlarged prostate gland on the urethra (urine outlet tube from the bladder); and also causes muscle cells in the neck of the bladder to relax. The action of Doxazosin in Apo-Doxazosin tablets 4mg removes the blockage to urine flow caused by the prostate gland and allows urine to flow more freely through the urethra; it also relaxes the bladder neck, allowing urine to pass out of the bladder more easily.

What does Doxazosin contain?

Apo-Doxazosin tablets 4mg contains the active ingredient doxazosin, an alpha1-blocker used to treat hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). They also contain microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, lactose and magnesium stearate.

Treating hypertension (high blood pressure) with Doxazosin

Apo-Doxazosin tablets 4mg contain Doxazosin, an alpha1-blocker (also known as alpha-adrenergic antagonist), that binds selectively to the alpha adrenergic receptor in smooth muscle found in blood vessel walls, and blocks the action of naturally occurring adrenergic chemicals like noradrenaline, a chemical that causes smooth muscle cells to contract and tighten. This allows peripheral arteries to relax and widen (vasodilation) thereby reducing peripheral resistance to blood flow and reducing workload on the heart, which is the force needed for the heart to pump blood around the body, and this decreases blood pressure. The blood pressure-lowering action of Apo-Doxazosin tablets 4mg reduces risk cardiovascular disease like of stroke and heart attack due to high blood pressure.

for urinary symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Apo-Doxazosin tablets 4mg contain Doxazosin, an alpha1-blocker (also known as alpha-adrenergic antagonist), that binds selectively to the alpha adrenergic receptor in smooth muscle found in the prostate gland, and blocks the action of naturally occurring adrenergic chemicals like noradrenaline, a chemical that causes smooth muscle cells to contract and tighten. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is due to overgrowth of the smooth muscle cells within the prostate gland and increased muscle tone of these cells. Doxazosin in Apo-Doxazosin tablets 4mg relaxes these muscle cells which relieves the pressure exerted by the enlarged prostate gland on the urethra (urine outlet tube from the bladder); and also causes muscle cells in the neck of the bladder to relax. This action removes the blockage to urine flow caused by the prostate gland and allows urine to flow more freely through the urethra; it also relaxes the bladder neck, allowing urine to pass out of the bladder more easily.

What are the side effects of Doxazosin?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Doxazosin include: asthenia (physical weakness), dizziness, postural hypotension (dizziness when standing up due to sudden drop in blood pressure), fatigue, headache, nasal congestion, nausea, peripheral oedema, somnolence, blurred vision, vertigo.

When should Doxazosin not be used?

You should not use Apo-Doxazosin tablets 4mg if you:

• are allergic to doxazosin or other quinazolines or any ingredients in Apo-Doxazosin
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have kidney or liver disease
• are taking medicines that interact with Doxazosin, including: phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors like sildenafil for erectile dysfunction, ACE inhibitors and diuretics for hypertension.

How should Doxazosin be taken?

You should take your Apo-Doxazosin tablets 4mg swallowed whole with a glass of water once daily with or without food. Your dose may be increased gradually, depending on what you are being treated for and how well your respond. Your doctor will probably advise you to take a lower dose at first and then increase your dose. You should continue to take your Apo-Doxazosin tablets 4mg for as long as recommended by your doctor.

How long should you take Doxazosin?

You should continue to take your Apo-Doxazosin tablets 4mg for as long as recommended by your doctor.

Missed dose of Doxazosin

If you miss a dose of Apo-Doxazosin tablets 4mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Doxazosin be stored?

You should store your Apo-Doxazosin tablets 4mg below 25°C in a cool dry place, protect from heat, light and moisture.