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Hypertension in CKD

Doxazosin (Hypertension/BPH in CKD)

Brand names: Cardura

Doxazosin is an alpha-1 adrenoceptor blocker used for hypertension and for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

US labelling (FDA)

Reference — US labelling, may differ from UK

• For the treatment of BPH: Initiate therapy at 1 mg once daily. Dose may be titrated at 1 to 2 week intervals, up to 8 mg once daily.( 2.2 ) • For the treatment hypertension: Initiate therapy at 1 mg once daily. Dose may be titrated as needed, up to 16 mg once daily. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Dosing Information Following the initial dose and with each dose increase of doxazosin tablets, monitor blood pressure for at least 6 hours following administration. If doxazosin tablets administration is discontinued for several days, therapy should be restarted using the initial dosing regimen. 2.2 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia The recommended initial dosage of doxazosin tablets is 1 mg given once daily either in …

Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2026-04-24. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It blocks alpha-1 receptors, relaxing vascular smooth muscle to lower blood pressure and relaxing smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck to improve urinary flow.

Prescribing in practice

  • First-dose and postural hypotension can occur, so introduce treatment cautiously.
  • In the ALLHAT trial it was associated with worse heart-failure outcomes than a thiazide-type diuretic, so it is not a first-line antihypertensive.
  • A modified-release form is available and should be swallowed whole.

Monitoring

Monitor blood pressure, including lying and standing measurements, particularly at initiation and dose changes.

Counselling the patient

  • Stand up slowly, especially with the first dose, and take the first dose before going to bed if advised.
  • Report dizziness, fainting or palpitations.

Evidence & guidelines

ALLHAT showed worse heart-failure outcomes versus diuretic; reserved as add-on therapy for resistant hypertension in UK guidance (NICE NG136).

Reference: PATHWAY-2 Trial (Williams et al. Lancet 2015); NICE NG136 (Hypertension); NICE CG97 (BPH); SPC Cardura; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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