About Cardura
Cardura is an antihypertensive, or high blood pressure treatment,
as well as a treatment for benign enlargement of the prostate,
or benign prostatic hyperplasia. An enlarged prostate may
cause difficulty with urination in older men. Cardura treats
blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, and relieves the
symptoms of prostate enlargement by relaxing muscles at the
opening of the bladder. If the prostate continues to enlarge,
surgery may be required, as Cardura only relieves the symptoms
of this condition.
Cardura is only available by prescription.
Cardura Side Effects
Mild Cardura side effects may go away over the course of your treatment,
but let your doctor know if they persist or bother you. Serious
side effects should be reported to your doctor immediately,
in order to avoid permanent injury.
Mild Side Effects: Drowsiness, fatigue, headache,
irritability, nausea, nervousness, restless feeling, runny
nose. Speak to your doctor if these symptoms are persistent.
Serious Side Effects: Dizziness when standing
up from being seated or laying down, fainting, fast or pounding
heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness, painful or
unusually long lasting penile erection (priapism, get
immediate medical attention), shortness of breath,
swelling of extremities. Visit your doctor if any of these
symptoms occur, seek immediate treatment if they seem severe.
Cautions: This medication may not be suitable for
everyone. If you have a history of any of the following conditions,
check with your doctor to make sure that Cardura will be a
safe and effective treatment for you.
- Allergy: If you have an allergic reaction to Cardura,
you should not continue to use it. Alert your doctor to
any food or dye allergies you may have.
- Kidney Disease: You may be more sensitive
to Cardura.
- Liver Disease: This medication may have
a stronger effect on you, increasing the risk of side effects.
Cardura Interactions
Cardura may interact with other medications. Your doctor may adjust
the dosage of one medication or the other, or might determine
that you should not mix the two treatments. Please advise
your doctor if you take any of the following, as they might
increase your heart rate:
- Epinephrine or norepinephrine
- Herbal products such as Gotu Kola, Ma Huang, or other
herbs with stimulant effects
- Over the counter allergy, asthma, cold, cough, hay fever,
sinus congestion, or weight loss medication
Do not begin taking any new medication, even over the counter treatments, without first discussing it with your doctor.
Cardura Dosages
Benign prostatic hyperplasia: 1 mg/day to start, morning or evening,
to a maximum of 8 mg/day. Follow your doctor's advice about
increasing or stepping off your dosage very carefully.
Hypertension: 1 mg/day to start, morning or evening, up to
a maximum of 16 mg/day. Follow your doctor's advice about
increasing or stepping off your dosage very carefully.Cardura Directions
Cardura works best if taken at the same time each day.
If your doctor has given you special dietary or use instructions,
follow them. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible.
If you don't remember until it's nearly time to take your
next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take double doses
of Cardura.
If you are using Cardura for high blood pressure, it's especially
important to keep to your treatment regimen, as many individuals
don't have any obvious signs of illness. This medication may
cause dizziness or lightheadedness when you begin taking it,
so doctors often recommend using it at night. If you do use
Cardura at night, be especially careful if you must get up
in the middle of the night, and be prepared to feel lightheaded
if you stand suddenly. This should go away over time, but
if it does not, or becomes severe, speak with your doctor.
If you use this medication to treat an enlarged prostate,
it may take up to 2 weeks before Cardura begins improving
your symptoms.
Store Cardura away from direct light and heat. Store in a dry location; avoid storing it in the bathroom, near sinks, or other areas where it may become damp. Do not use after the expiration date.
Keep Cardura away from children; both when storing it, and when discarding any unused medication.
Cardura and Pregnancy
This medication has not been studied in pregnant women. However,
animal studies indicate a higher risk of fetal death in pregnant
rabbits. Speak with your doctor if you are, or may become,
pregnant during treatment.
The effects of Cardura on breastfeeding infants is unknown,
and it is not clear if the drug passes into breast milk.
Cardura and Children
This medication has not been studied in children.
Cardura and Seniors
Seniors with high blood pressure more likely to experience dizziness,
fainting, or lightheadedness.
Cardura is a trademark of Pfizer
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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
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