Doxazosin Mesylate (doxazosin mesylate)

Dosage of doxazosin mesylate is expressed in terms of doxazosin and must be adjusted according to the patient's blood pressure response and tolerance.

While the manufacturer makes no specific recommendations for titration of doxazosin dosage in geriatric patients, patients in this age group generally are less tolerant of the postural hypotensive effects of alpha1-adrenergic blocking agents because of impaired cardiovascular reflexes, and caution should be exercised. Therefore, dosage escalation in elderly hypertensive patients generally should be slower than in younger adults. Clinically important alterations in the pharmacokinetics of the drug in geriatric patients have not been observed to date.

Clinically important alterations in the pharmacokinetics of doxazosin in patients with impaired renal function have not been observed to date, and the manufacturer makes no specific recommendations for modification of dosage in such patients.

The effect of hepatic impairment on the disposition of doxazosin has not been established in controlled clinical studies. However, administration of a single 2-mg dose of doxazosin as conventional tablets to patients with cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class A) resulted in a 40% increase in systemic exposure to the drug. Because doxazosin is eliminated almost entirely by metabolism in the liver, the manufacturer states that the drug should be administered cautiously in patients with hepatic impairment.

Doxazosin mesylate is administered orally.

The pharmacokinetics and safety were similar with morning or evening dosing of doxazosin conventional (immediate-release) tablets in a limited number of normotensive patients in one study; however, the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) was 11% less with morning dosing, and the time to peak concentration occurred later with evening dosing (5.6 versus 3.5 hours).

Peak plasma concentrations and oral bioavailability are increased by approximately 32 and 18%, respectively, when doxazosin mesylate extended-release tablets (Cardura(R) XL) are administered with food. Therefore, to provide more consistent systemic exposure to the drug, extended-release tablets should be administered with breakfast.

Doxazosin mesylate extended-release tablets should be swallowed intact and should not be chewed, crushed, or broken. Patients should be advised not to become alarmed if they notice a tablet-like substance in their stools; this is normal since the tablet is designed to release the drug slowly from a nonabsorbable shell during passage through the GI tract.

There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.

Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

Alpha-Blockers/Iloperidone; Milsaperidone

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of iloperidone or milsaperidone and an alpha-blocker may result in additive or synergistic effects on blood pressure.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of iloperidone or milsaperidone and an alpha-blocker may result in symptomatic hypotension.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of iloperidone and milsaperidone state that concurrent use with alpha-blockers should be avoided.(1,2)

DISCUSSION: Iloperidone and milsaperidone have alpha-blocking properties.(1,2)

Doxazosin/Boceprevir

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Boceprevir may inhibit the metabolism of doxazosin by CYP3A4.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of boceprevir may result in elevated levels of and effects from doxazosin, including severe hypotension and priapism.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturers of boceprevir states that concurrent use of doxazosin is contraindicated.(1)

DISCUSSION: Boceprevir has been shown to be a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4. Therefore, concurrent use of boceprevir with agents that are highly dependent on CYP3A4 for clearance and for which elevated plasma levels are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events is contraindicated.(1)

There are no severe interactions for this drug.

Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

Alpha-Blockers/Cgmp Specific Pde Type-5 Inhibitors

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of avanafil,(1) sildenafil,(2-5) tadalafil,(6-9) or vardenafil(10-14) and an alpha-blocker may result in additive or synergistic effects on blood pressure.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of avanafil,(1) sildenafil,(2-5) tadalafil,(6-9) or vardenafil(10-14)) and an alpha-blocker may result in symptomatic hypotension.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients who have a history of hemodynamic instability on alpha-blocker therapy prior to initiating avanafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil may be at an increased risk of symptomatic hypotension during concurrent therapy.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of avanafil states that patients taking alpha-blockers should be stabilized on their alpha-blocker prior to beginning avanafil therapy. Avanafil should be initiated at the 50 mg dosage. In patients stabilized on avanafil therapy, alpha-blocker therapy should be initiated at the lowest possible dosage.(1) The US, Australian, Canadian, and UK manufacturers of sildenafil state that patients taking alpha-blockers should be stabilized on their alpha-blocker prior to beginning sildenafil therapy. Sildenafil should be initiated at the lowest possible dosage. In patients stabilized on sildenafil therapy, alpha-blocker therapy should be initiated at the lowest possible dosage.(2-5) The US manufacturer of tadalafil states that patients taking tadalafil for erectile dysfunction (ED) and alpha-blockers should be stabilized on their alpha-blocker prior to beginning tadalafil therapy. Tadalafil should be initiated at the lowest possible dosage. In patients stabilized on tadalafil therapy, alpha-blocker therapy should be initiated at the lowest possible dose. The combination of tadalafil and an alpha-blocker for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is not recommended. Patients on alpha-blocker therapy for BPH should discontinue their alpha-blocker at least one day prior to starting tadalafil for once daily use for the treatment of BPH.(6) The Australian manufacturer of tadalafil states that tadalafil should be used with caution in patients taking alpha-blockers.(7) The Canadian manufacturer of tadalafil states that it may be used with tamsulosin and should be used with caution with other alpha-blockers.(8) The UK manufacturer of tadalafil states that concurrent use with alpha-blockers is not recommended.(9) The US, Canadian, and UK manufacturers of vardenafil state that patients taking alpha-blockers should be stabilized on their alpha-blocker prior to beginning vardenafil therapy. Vardenafil should be initiated at the lowest possible dosage. In patients stabilized on vardenafil therapy, alpha-blocker therapy should be initiated at the lowest possible dosage.(10-12) The UK manufacturer of vardenafil states that vardenafil may be give at any time in relation to tamsulosin; however, a dose separation period of 6 hour should be considered for other alpha-blockers.(12) The Australian manufacturer of vardenafil states that concurrent use with alpha-blockers is not recommended.(13) The US manufacturers of doxazosin,(14) prazosin(15) and terazosin(16) state that PDE-5 inhibitor therapy should be initiated at the lowest dose.

DISCUSSION: In a study in 24 subjects, concurrent use of avanafil (200 mg) with doxazosin (1 mg on Day 1, titrated to 8 mg for Days 8-18) resulted in 7 subjects experiencing potentially clinically significant changes in blood pressure.(1) In a study in 24 subjects, concurrent use of avanafil (200 mg) with tamsulosin (0.4 mg Days 1-11) resulted in 5 subjects experiencing potentially clinically significant changes in blood pressure.(1) Simultaneous administration of sildenafil (25 mg) and doxazosin (4 mg) resulted in mean additional reductions of supine blood pressure of 7 mmHg systolic and 7 mmHg diastolic. When doxazosin (4 mg) was simultaneously administered with higher doses of sildenafil, there were reports of symptomatic postural hypotension within one to four hours.(2) In a study, concurrent administration of a single dose of tadalafil (20 mg) to healthy subjects receiving alfuzosin (10 mg daily) resulted in mean maximum decreases in standing and supine systolic blood pressure by 2.2 mmHg and 4.4 mmHg, respectively. There were no subjects with a decrease from baseline standing systolic blood pressure greater than 30 mmHg.(6) In a study, concurrent administration of a single dose of tadalafil (20 mg) to 18 healthy subjects receiving doxazosin (8 mg daily) resulted in significant augmentation of the blood-pressure lowering effects of doxazosin (by 9.8 mmHg). The number of subjects with a standing blood pressure of less than 85 mmHg was greater after concurrent doxazosin and tadalafil than when compared to doxazosin with placebo (28% versus 6%). One subject reported vertigo and another reported dizziness. No syncope was reported.(5,14) In a second study, concurrent administration of a single dose of tadalafil (20 mg) to healthy subjects receiving doxazosin (4-8 mg daily) also resulted in augmentation of the blood-pressure lowering affects of doxazosin. One subject reported symptomatic hypotension and another reported dizziness with concurrent therapy.(6) In a study, concurrent administration of a single dose of tadalafil (20 mg) to healthy subjects receiving tamsulosin (0.4 mg daily) resulted in no significant decreases in blood pressure.(6,17) Hypotension has been reported with concurrent use of terazosin and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors.(16) With simultaneous administration of vardenafil (10 mg) and terazosin (10 mg), 6 of 8 healthy subjects experienced a standing systolic blood pressure of less than 85 mmHg. With simultaneous vardenafil (20 mg) and terazosin (10 mg), 2 of 9 subjects experienced a standing systolic blood pressure of less than 85 mmHg. When vardenafil (20 mg) was administered 6 hours apart from terazosin (10 mg), 7 of 28 subjects experienced a standing systolic blood pressure of less than 85 mmHg.(10) With simultaneous administration of vardenafil (10 mg) and tamsulosin (0.4 mg), two of 16 subjects experienced a standing systolic blood pressure of less than 85 mmHg. When vardenafil (20 mg) was administered six hours apart from tamsulosin (0.4 mg), one of 24 subjects experienced a standing systolic blood pressure of less than 85 mmHg.(10) In a study in subjects with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) on stable tamsulosin or terazosin therapy, simultaneous vardenafil (5 mg) and tamsulosin resulted in no effects on blood pressure. Simultaneous vardenafil (5 mg) with terazosin resulted in hypotension in some subjects. This effect did not occur when vardenafil and terazosin were separated by 6 hours.(12) In a placebo controlled, crossover study in 22 subjects with benign prostatic hyperplasia receiving tamsulosin, subjects received single doses of vardenafil (10 mg and 20 mg). No patients exhibited symptomatic hypotension. Three patients receiving 20 mg of vardenafil reported dizziness, but none had a systolic blood pressure of less than 95 mmHg.(18) In a placebo-controlled study in 24 health male subjects, administration of sildenafil (100 mg) or tadalafil (20 mg) with silodosin resulted in an increase in positive orthostatic tests in the 12 hours after concurrent administration when compared with the administration of silodosin alone. There were no reports of symptomatic orthostasis or dizziness.(19)

Selected Alpha-Blockers/Selected Beta-Blockers

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Alpha-blockers may cause syncope with sudden loss of consciousness secondary to excessive postural hypotension. Following the first dose of an alpha-blocker, compensatory tachycardia helps to prevent or limit syncope. Beta-blockers may inhibit this tachycardia, thereby worsening alpha-blocker induced hypotension.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The hypotensive effects of an alpha-blocker may be increased in patients on concurrent beta-blocker therapy.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients may be at increased risk of postural hypotension with concurrent diuretic therapy and those on low-sodium diets.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: When starting alpha-blocker therapy in patients receiving beta-blockers, consider initiating treatment with a reduced dose of the alpha-blocker. If syncope occurs, provide supportive treatment as necessary. The adverse effect is self limiting and in most cases does not recur after the initial period of therapy or during subsequent dose titration with the alpha-blocker.

DISCUSSION: Beta-blockers increase the acute postural hypotension that frequently follows the first dose of an alpha-blocker. Initiation of beta-blocker therapy in patients that have started taking an alpha-blocker would not be expected to produce acute postural hypotension. Alpha-blockers linked to this interaction include alfuzosin, doxazosin, prazosin, and terazosin. Beta-blockers linked to this interaction include acebutolol, atenolol, betaxolol, bevantolol, levobunolol, metoprolol, nadolol, pindolol, pronethalol, propranolol, and timolol.

Selected Antihypertensive Agents/Selected Maois

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Both MAOIs and antihypertensive agents may increase the risk of postural hypotension.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Postural hypotension may occur with concurrent therapy of MAOIs and antihypertensive agents.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of phenelzine states all patients should be followed closely for symptoms of postural hypotension. Hypotensive side effects have occurred in patients who have been hypertensive and normotensive, as well as hypotensive at initiation of phenelzine.(1) The manufacturer of tranylcypromine states hypotension has been observed most commonly but not exclusively in patients with pre-existing hypertension. Tranylcypromine doses greater than 30 mg daily have a major side effect of postural hypotension and can lead to syncope. Gradual dose titration is recommended to decrease risk of postural hypotension. Combined use with other agents known to cause hypotension have shown to have additive side effects and should be monitored closely.(2) Monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of postural hypotension including dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness, especially upon standing. Monitor blood pressure as well as orthostatic vitals and adjust antihypertensive therapy, including decreasing the dose, dividing doses, or scheduling doses at bedtime, as needed to maintain goal blood pressure. If blood pressure remains hypotensive, consider decreasing the dose of phenelzine or tranylcypromine. In some cases, discontinuation of one or both agents may be necessary.(3) Normotensive patients on stable antihypertensive therapy who are started on either phenelzine or tranylcypromine may be at increased risk for hypotension. Hypertensive patients on stable phenelzine or tranylcypromine who require antihypertensive therapy would be at decreased risk for hypotension.

DISCUSSION: A review article describes the pharmacology of phenelzine and tranylcypromine as non-selective MAOIs which inhibit both type A and type B substrates. Orthostatic hypotension is described as the most common MAOI side effect and usually occurs between initiation and the first 3-4 weeks of therapy.(3) In a double-blind study, 71 patients were randomized to receive a 4-week trial of either tranylcypromine, amitriptyline, or the combination. The number of patients reporting dizziness at 4 weeks was not different between the three treatment groups (tranylcypromine 52.4%; amitriptyline 65%; combination 66.7%). Blood pressure (BP) assessment noted a significant drop in standing BP in the tranylcypromine group compared to baseline (systolic BP change = -10 mmHg; p<0.02 and diastolic BP change = -9 mmHg; p<0.02). Combination therapy also had a significant drop in standing BP compared to baseline (systolic BP change = -9 mmHg; p<0.02). Patients receiving amitriptyline had no significant change in BP from baseline at 4 weeks. All three groups had a trend toward increasing orthostatic hypotension in BP changes from lying to standing. The change in orthostatic hypotension was significant in the amitriptyline group with an average systolic BP orthostatic drop of -9 mmHg (p<0.05).(4) A randomized, double-blind study of 16 inpatients with major depressive disorder were treated with either phenelzine or tranylcypromine. Cardiovascular assessments were completed at baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment. After 6 weeks, 5/7 patients (71%) who received phenelzine had a decrease in standing systolic BP greater than 20 mmHg from baseline. Head-up tilt systolic and diastolic BP decreased from baseline in patients on phenelzine (98/61 mmHg v. 127/65 mmHg, respectively; systolic change p=0.02 and diastolic change p=0.02). After 6 weeks, 6/9 patients (67%) who received tranylcypromine had a decrease in standing systolic BP greater than 20 mmHg from baseline. Head-up tilt systolic and diastolic BP decreased from baseline in patients on tranylcypromine (113/71 mmHg v. 133/69 mmHg, respectively; systolic change p=0.09 and diastolic change p=0.07).(5) Selected MAOIs linked to this monograph include: phenelzine and tranylcypromine. Selected antihypertensive agents include: ACE inhibitors, alpha blockers, ARBs, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, aprocitentan, clonidine, hydralazine, moxonidine, and sparsentan.

Selected Antihypertensives And Vasodilators/Apomorphine

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Apomorphine causes dose-dependent decreases in blood pressure. Concurrent use with antihypertensive agents may result in additive effects on blood pressure.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of antihypertensives and apomorphine may result in orthostatic hypotension with or without dizziness, nausea, or syncope.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of orthostatic hypotension may be increased during dose escalation of apomorphine and in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.(1)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving concurrent therapy should be monitored for hypotension. Counsel patients about the risk of orthostatic hypotension.(1)

DISCUSSION: Healthy volunteers who took sublingual nitroglycerin (0.4 mg) concomitantly with apomorphine experienced a mean largest decrease in supine systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 9.7 mm Hg and in supine diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 9.3 mm Hg, and a mean largest decrease in standing SBP and DBP of 14.3 mm Hg and 13.5 mm Hg, respectively. The maximum decrease in SBP and DBP was 65 mm Hg and 43 mm Hg, respectively. When apomorphine was taken alone, the mean largest decrease in supine SBP and DBP was 6.1 mm Hg and 7.3 mm Hg, respectively, and in standing SBP and DBP was 6.7 mm Hg and 8.4 mm Hg, respectively.(1)

Selected Antihypertensives/Tizanidine

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Tizanidine is an alpha-2 agonist. Concurrent use with antihypertensive agents may result in additive effects on blood pressure.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of antihypertensives and tizanidine may result in hypotension.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving concurrent therapy should be monitored for hypotension. The risk of hypotension may be decreased by careful titration of tizanidine dosages and monitoring for hypotension prior to dose advancement. Counsel patients about the risk of orthostatic hypotension.(1)

DISCUSSION: Severe hypotension has been reported following the addition of tizanidine to existing lisinopril therapy.(2-4)

There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.

There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.

• Orthostatic hypotension

• Cataract surgery
• Disease of liver
• Hypotension
• Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome

There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.

Less Frequent

• Dyspnea
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Tachycardia

Rare or Very Rare

• Abnormal hepatic function tests
• Angioedema
• Bradycardia
• Bronchospastic pulmonary disease
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Cholestasis
• Cholestatic hepatitis
• Chronic heart failure
• Gastrointestinal obstruction
• Hepatitis
• Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome
• Jaundice
• Leukopenia
• Neutropenic disorder
• Priapism
• Purpura
• Thrombocytopenic disorder
• Urticaria
• Visual changes

More Frequent

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• General weakness
• Headache disorder
• Hypotension

Less Frequent

• Acute abdominal pain
• Drowsy
• Dyspepsia
• Edema
• Irritability
• Myalgia
• Nausea
• Palpitations
• Rhinitis
• Upper respiratory infection
• Urinary tract infection
• Vertigo
• Xerostomia

Rare or Very Rare

• Accidental fall
• Alopecia
• Angina
• Arthralgia
• Blurred vision
• Chest pain
• Cramps
• Diarrhea
• Dysuria
• Epistaxis
• Erectile dysfunction
• Flushing
• Gynecomastia
• Hematuria
• Hypoesthesia
• Increased urinary frequency
• Insomnia
• Libido changes
• Malaise
• Muscle weakness
• Nervousness
• Nocturia
• Paresthesia
• Polyuria
• Pruritus of skin
• Skin rash
• Symptoms of anxiety
• Syncope
• Vomiting
• Weight gain

No enhanced messaging available.

No enhanced messaging available.

Reproduction studies in rabbits and rats using doxazosin dosages up to 41 and 20 mg/kg daily (plasma concentrations 10 and 4 times the peak plasma concentration and AUC exposures of humans receiving a dosage of 12 mg daily) have not revealed evidence of harm to the fetus. Postnatal development (weight gain, anatomical features, reflexes) was delayed in some offspring of rats given maternal oral doxazosin dosages of 40-50 mg/kg daily, and decreased fetal survival was associated with dosages of 82 mg/kg daily (in rabbits). There are no adequate and controlled studies to date using doxazosin in pregnant women, and the drug should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed.

Since it is not known whether doxazosin is distributed into human milk, the drug should be used with caution in nursing women. Accumulation of the drug has been observed in the milk of lactating rats given a single 1-mg/kg oral dose; in these rats, concentrations of radiolabeled doxazosin in milk were about 20 times greater than those in maternal plasma.

No enhanced messaging available.