The Basics
What is Doxazosin?
Used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), which include difficulty urinating, painful urination, and urinary frequency and urgency.
Brand names for Doxazosin
Cardura
How Doxazosin is classified
Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists, Antihypertensive Agents
Doxazosin During Pregnancy
Doxazosin pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Doxazosin while pregnant
N/A
Taking Doxazosin While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Doxazosin?
Limited information indicates that maternal doses of 4 mg daily produce low very levels in milk and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Limited information indicates that maternal doses of 4 mg daily produce low very levels in milk and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.
Possible effects of Doxazosin on milk supply
Relevant published information in nursing mothers was not found as of the revision date. However, the pharmacologically similar drug prazosin does not affect serum prolactin concentration in patients with hypertension,[3][4] indicating that doxazosin may not affect prolactin levels. The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Possible alternatives to Doxazosin
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Jensen BP, Dalrymple JM, Begg EJ. Transfer of doxazosin into breast milk. J Hum Lact. 2013;29:150-3. (corrected in J Hum Lact 2014;30: NP3-NP4). PMID: 23439864
2. Versmissen J, Koch BC, Roofthooft DW et al. Doxazosin treatment of phaeochromocytoma during pregnancy: Placental transfer and disposition in breast milk. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2016;82:568-9. PMID: 27194370
3. Barbieri C, Caldara R, Ferrari C et al. Metabolic effects of prazosin. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1980;27:313-6. PMID: 6102000
4. Barbieri C, Ferrari C, Borzio M et al. Metabolic effects of chronic prazosin treatment. Horm Metab Res. 1980;12:331-4. PMID: 6105121
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
