Generic Name: doxazosin (dox AY zo sin) Brand Names: Cardura, Cardura XL What is the most important information I should know about doxazosin? • Doxazosin lowers blood pressure and may cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you first start taking it, or when you start taking it again. To avoid falling, take the first dose of doxazosin at bedtime. You may wish to continue taking this medication only at bedtime if it causes you to feel light-headed. • You may feel very dizzy when you first wake up. Be careful when standing or sitting up from a lying position. • If you stopped taking doxazosin for any reason and have started taking it again, you may feel especially dizzy or light-headed after your first few doses. • Doxazosin can affect the pupils of your eyes during cataract surgery. If you have cataract surgery during your treatment with doxazosin, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you take doxazosin. Do not stop using the medication before surgery unless your surgeon tells you to. What is doxazosin? • Doxazosin is in a group of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers. Doxazosin causes the blood vessels (veins and arteries) to relax and expand, improving blood flow. Doxazosin also relaxes muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate. • Doxazosin is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). • Doxazosin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.