What is doxazosin?
- Doxazosin is an alpha-1 receptor blocker. It helps relax muscles in blood vessels and the prostate
- It does not cure high blood pressure or prostate enlargement, but it helps control symptoms when taken regularly
How it works
Doxazosin blocks alpha-1 receptors found in:
- Blood vessel walls
- The prostate and bladder neck
This causes:
- Blood vessels to widen, lowering blood pressure
- Prostate and bladder muscles to relax, improving urine flow
Uses
- High blood pressure (hypertension). It is usually used as an add-on treatment rather than first-line therapy
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It helps relieve urinary symptoms such as poor flow, difficulty starting urination, and frequent night-time urination. It does not shrink the prostate
Dosage
- Usually started at a low dose (often 1 mg once daily)
- Dose is increased gradually, up to 8mg twice a day, if needed
- Often taken at night to reduce dizziness
Note. Do not stop doxazosin suddenly without medical advice
Side-effects
Common side-effects
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Ankle or foot swelling
Less common (but more serious) side-effects
- Low blood pressure, especially when standing
- Fainting, particularly after the first dose
Seek medical advice if dizziness is severe, persistent, or if you faint.
Monitoring
Your doctor should monitor:
- Blood pressure, especially after starting or changing the dose
- Dizziness or falls, particularly in older adults
- Urinary symptoms if used for BPH
