by MJA
(Pakistan)
QUESTION: Shall use the medicine for the first time for enlarged prostate (age 65 yrs).
I have normal or slightly low blood prresure.
I am worried about the side effects of this medicine.
Dr has recommended : (i) Naoflow capsules 0.4 mgor (2) Cavdura tablets, evening time.
Advice solicited.
Thanks.
ANSWER: Hi Mja,
Now, there are two categories of drugs used for the treatment of enlarged prostate, including alpha–blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. Most of the time, they are used together as a combination therapy for best results.
With regards to Cardura (doxazosin) (it is not Cavdura:) is a selective alpha-blocker.
The stimulation of the alpha receptors in the human organism is causing the muscle constriction and the blockage of those receptors is causing muscle relaxation.
Therefore, when Cardura is used, the muscles of the prostate and of the urethra are relaxed, consequently, the urine can flow normally and this is preventing the urine retention.
The name Naoflow does not recall any drug name to me, therefore, I need to know the right spelling of the drug you are using.
However, I can only suggest based on the criteria for the enlarged prostate treatment, that this drug has to be a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor.
That means that this drug is inhibiting the synthesis of testosterone, which is one of the reasons for the prostate enlargement. When the synthesis of testosterone in the organism is reduced, your prostate becomes smaller.
Now, coming to the common side effects for all the drugs of this group, they include erectile dysfunction and decreased libido. If you want to know all the side effects of the drug that you are taking, I need to know its exact name.
It is true that one of the side effects of Cardura is to lower your blood pressure, especially during the first days, when you are taking it.
Because of the fact that you are with low blood pressure, my advice for you is to stay at home and to avoid exposure to high temperatures and heat.
As you probably know, the heat or high temperatures cause dilatation of the arteries aggravating the effect of Cardura.
As the arteries contain a muscle layer that has alpha-receptors, they are all blocked by Cardura. This will reduce your blood pressure a lot and will start to feel dizzy.
In addition, I recommend to you to drink more water than usual. Keep in mind that these effects will be present only during the first week. After this period, your organism will be accustomed to the treatment and you will not feel dizzy anymore.
It is good for you to measure your blood pressure almost every hour. Besides this is if you are not drinking more water than usual, you may lose consciousness for few minutes, condition known as syncope.
This will not harm you at all, but you have to stay at home, because this can happen everywhere.
On the other hand, you don’t have to worry about a sudden drop of the blood pressure caused by the 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.
They are not affecting the blood pressure at all, they are only reducing the amount of testosterone.
Hope it helped! You need to be close to your doctor for further particular assistance you might need.
All the best!
Dr.Alba
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