Doxazosin Overdose: An Overview
Doxazosin mesylate (
Cardura®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat an
enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, benign prostatic hypertrophy, or
BPH).
Doxazosin is also approved to
treat high blood pressure (
hypertension). As with all medicines, it is possible to take too much doxazosin. Overdose effects will vary, depending on a number of factors, including how much doxazosin was taken and whether it was taken with any other medicines, alcohol, and/or drugs.
If you happen to overdose on doxazosin, seek immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of a Doxazosin Overdose
Possible effects of a doxazosin overdose may include:
- Drowsiness
- Low blood pressure when going from a sitting or lying down position to standing (orthostatic hypotension)
- Loss of life.
Because of these effects, a person who takes a doxazosin overdose may have symptoms that include lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting, especially when standing up.
Treatment for a Doxazosin Overdose
Given that there have been so few cases of people taking too much doxazosin, it is not known what the best treatment is for a doxazosin overdose.
If the overdose was recent, a healthcare provider may use certain medicines or place a tube into the stomach to "pump the stomach." Treatment may also involve supportive care. This type of care consists of treating the symptoms that occur as a result of the overdose. For example, supportive treatment options for a doxazosin overdose may include:
- Fluids through an intravenous line (IV)
- Medicines to increase blood pressure
- Other treatments based on the complications that occur.
It is important that you seek medical attention immediately if you believe that you may have overdosed on doxazosin.
