doxazosin
Noun A medication belonging to the class of alpha-1 adrenergic blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels and muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, which lowers blood pressure and improves urine flow. It is primarily used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate.
Doxazosin is a prescription drug. It is typically taken orally, once daily. The dosage is often started low and gradually increased under a doctor's supervision to minimize side effects like dizziness, especially when first starting the medication or after a dose increase.
- The doctor prescribed doxazosin to help control my high blood pressure.
- A common side effect of doxazosin is dizziness upon standing up.
- For patients with both hypertension and BPH, doxazosin can address both conditions.
- Therapeutic Class: Doxazosin is classified as a quinazoline derivative alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist.
- Mechanism of Action: It selectively blocks alpha-1 receptors in vascular smooth muscle and the prostate, leading to vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and relaxation of prostate and bladder neck muscles.
- Cardura: A common brand name for doxazosin.
- Alpha-blocker: The broader class of drugs to which doxazosin belongs.
- Antihypertensive: A general term for any drug used to treat high blood pressure.
- Alpha-1 blocker
- Alpha-adrenergic antagonist (specific type)
The word "doxazosin" refers specifically to the chemical compound and medication itself. It does not refer to the conditions it treats (hypertension, BPH) or its effects (lowered blood pressure, improved urination). Its meaning is strictly pharmaceutical.
- an antihypertensive drug (trade name Cardura) that works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood passes through them more easily; it is also used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia