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What Is Doxazosin?

Doxazosin is a prescription alpha1 adrenergic receptor blocker used for signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia and for hypertension. Immediate-release tablets come in 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, and 8 mg strengths. Both indications start with a low once-daily dose to reduce the risk of postural hypotension.

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What Is Doxazosin?

Doxazosin is a prescription alpha1 adrenergic receptor blocker used for signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia and for hypertension. Immediate-release tablets come in 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, and 8 mg strengths. Both indications start with a low once-daily dose to reduce the risk of postural hypotension.

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How Does Doxazosin Work?

Doxazosin selectively blocks postjunctional alpha1 adrenergic receptors. In benign prostatic hyperplasia, this relaxes smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck and reduces urethral resistance. In hypertension, alpha1 blockade decreases systemic vascular resistance and lowers blood pressure.

Who Is Treated With Doxazosin?

Doxazosin treats urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia and is also used for hypertension. Prostate cancer can cause similar urinary symptoms, so current labeling directs clinicians to evaluate for prostate cancer before BPH treatment and at regular intervals afterward.

How Are Doxazosin Tablets Dosed?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment starts at 1 mg once daily and can be increased at intervals of one to two weeks up to 8 mg once daily. Hypertension also starts at 1 mg once daily and can be adjusted up to 16 mg once daily according to blood pressure response.

What Serious Risks Are Linked to Doxazosin?

Doxazosin can cause postural hypotension, dizziness, and fainting, especially after the first dose or a dose increase. Other concerns include intraoperative floppy iris syndrome during cataract surgery and rare priapism. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and strong CYP3A inhibitors can increase the risk of symptomatic low blood pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Doxazosin

What conditions does doxazosin treat?

Doxazosin treats benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms and hypertension.

What is the starting dose of doxazosin?

Both BPH and hypertension treatment start at 1 mg once daily.

What is the maximum doxazosin dose for BPH?

The labeled maximum for benign prostatic hyperplasia is 8 mg once daily.

Can doxazosin affect cataract surgery?

Yes. Alpha1 blockers are associated with intraoperative floppy iris syndrome during cataract surgery.

References

DailyMed - DOXAZOSIN (doxazosin mesylate) tablet. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=b5d1c604-ce3b-4973-845f-9db267a945cd. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.

Doxazosin. LiverTox. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548718/. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.

Doxazosin. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a693045.html. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.

Doxazosin. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Doxazosin. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.

Doxazosin. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557459/. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.