This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Cardular is an alpha-blocker. It works by relaxing muscles in the blood vessels resulting in lowering of blood pressure. Cardular is used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition in which the prostate gland grows larger, pressing on the urethra and threatening to block the flow of urine from the bladder. The drug relieves symptoms such as a weak stream, dribbling, incomplete emptying of the bladder, frequent urination, and burning during urination.

How to Take

Your doctor will adjust the dosage to fit your needs. The usual starting dose for adults is 1 milligram taken once a day. To minimize the potential for dizziness or fainting associated with Cardular, which may occur between 2 and 6 hours after a dose, your doctor will monitor your blood pressure during this period and afterwards.

After the effects of the starting dose are measured, your doctor may increase the daily dose to 2 milligrams and then, if necessary, to 4 milligrams, 8 milligrams, or, in people with high blood pressure only, up to 16 milligrams. As the dose increases, the potential for side effects such as dizziness, vertigo, light-headedness, and fainting also increases.

The safety and effectiveness of Cardular in children have not been established.

Warning and Precautions

Cardular may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Cardular with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur if you stand up too fast from lying or sitting. If this occurs, get up slowly and avoid sudden posture changes. These effects will more likely occur while you are taking the first few doses or if you have increased your dose, but can occur at any time while you are taking Cardular. They can also occur if you stop taking the medicine and restart treatment.

Before drinking alcohol, discuss it with your doctor. Alcohol may worsen dizziness and lightheadedness.

Be careful during exercise, hot weather, and if you must stand for long periods of time.

Avoid situations where fainting could cause injury. If fainting occurs, lie down and stop taking this medication until you talk with your doctor.

Cardular may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.

Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.

Lab tests, including blood pressure, may be performed while you use Cardular. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. Although no specific information is available, low blood pressure is the most likely symptom of an overdose of Cardular.

If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Storage

Store Cardular at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Cardular out of reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

More common side effects may include: dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, headache.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Cardular. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.