The tablets are white and come in three strengths: 1 mg pentagonal (5-sided) tablets, 2mg oval tablets or 4mg square tablets. Each tablet contains doxazosin mesylate.

The inactive ingredients in each tablet are: lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium lauryl sulphate and sodium starch glycollate.

Cardura comes in packs of 28 tablets.

Pfizer Limited, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9NJ

Cardura is one of a group of medicines called alpha-blockers. It is used to treat high blood pressure, or the symptoms caused by enlargement of the prostate gland in men.

In patients taking Cardura to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) Cardura works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood passes through them more easily. This helps to lower blood pressure. In addition to its blood pressure lowering effect Cardura may also lower blood lipid (total cholesterol) levels.

In patients with enlargement of the prostate gland, Cardura is taken to treat poor and/or frequent passing of urine. This is common in patients with enlargement of the prostate gland. Cardura works by relaxing muscle around the bladder and prostate gland so urine is passed more easily

• Are you aged under 16 years of age?

If the answer to any of these questions is YES; tell your doctor immediately as the tablets may not be suitable for you.

• If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant tell your doctor before you start your tablets.

• If you have liver disease tell your doctor before you start your tablets.

• If you are taking other medicines tell your doctor before you start your tablets.

• Take care if you drive or operate machinery Your tablets may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely, particularly when you first start to take them.

How to take your medicine

• The usual dose of Cardura is one tablet each day.

• If you are taking Cardura for the first time the normal dose is 1 mg daily After this the usual dose is 2mg or 4mg daily. In some circumstances this may be increased to a maximum of 8mg daily if you are being treated for prostate enlargement or to a maximum of 16mg if you are being treated for high blood pressure.
• Take your tablet as your doctor told you and as written on the label on the pack.
• It is best to take your tablets at about the same time each day with a drink of water
• You can take your tablets before or after food.
• Continue to take your tablet each day following the days and arrows on the pack.
• If you are still not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• It is important to keep taking your tablets. They may help you to remain well.

• Don't wait until your tablets are finished before seeing your doctor

Too many tablets at once may make you unwell. If several tablets are taken it may be dangerous. Tell your doctor immediately or go to your nearest hospital casualty department

Do not worry. If you forget to take a tablet, leave that dose out completely. Then go on as before.

Your tablets, like most medicines may cause undesirable effects. Problems Cardura may cause are:

• faintness, especially on getting up from a sitting or Iying position.

• dizziness

• headache

• tiredness \ sleepiness

• weakness

• swelling of feet or lower legs

• nausea

• sneezing and/or runny nose (rhinitis)

These undesirable effects are usually mild and tend to wear off as treatment goes on. Tell your doctor if these effects cause you any problems or last for more than one week.

Chest pain, the feeling of increased heart beat and stroke have also been reported in patients with high blood pressure being treated with Cardura, but may not have been due to the medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if any of these occur

This treatment is for YOU. Do not give it to others. It may not suit them.

Do not take this medicine after the date stamped on the pack.

• Keep your medicine in a dry place and below 30°C.

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

This leaflet does not contain all the information about this medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

The information in this leaflet is about Cardura only

Date Cardura, leaflet United Kingdom

last revised - May 1995