Cardura

• Side effects may include:
  Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, headache

Why should Cardura not be prescribed?

Cardura should not be taken if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Cardura or such drugs as prazosin hydrochloride or terazosin hydrochloride. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you may have experienced.

Special warnings about Cardura

Cardura can cause low blood pressure, especially when you first start taking the medication and when dosage is increased. This can cause you to become faint, dizzy, or light-headed, particularly when first standing up. You should avoid driving or any hazardous tasks where injury could occur for 24 hours after taking the first dose, after your dose has been increased, or if Cardura has been stopped and then restarted.

In rare cases, men taking drugs such as Cardura have developed priapism—a painful, long-lasting erection that persists for hours. This condition can lead to impotence, so if it occurs contact your doctor right away.

If you have liver disease or are taking other medications that alter liver function, your doctor will monitor you closely when you take Cardura.

Cardura may lower blood counts. Your doctor will most likely monitor your blood counts while you are taking this medication.

This medication may cause you to become drowsy or sleepy. For this reason, too, driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended.

Prostate cancer has some of the same symptoms as benign prostatic hyperplasia; your doctor will want to make sure you do not have cancer before starting you on Cardura.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Cardura

No significant interactions have been reported.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Cardura during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Cardura may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with this medication is finished.