From the FDA Drug Label
- 1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The limited available data with doxazosin in pregnant women are not sufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage.
- 2 Lactation Risk Summary There is limited information on the presence of doxazosin in human milk 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of doxazosin have not been established in children.
The FDA drug label does not provide information on the use of doxazosin in females in general, only in pregnant or breastfeeding women, and does not establish its safety and effectiveness in children.
- The label discusses the pregnancy risk summary and lactation risk summary, but does not provide information on the use of doxazosin in non-pregnant females.
- Key points to consider are the lack of data on the use of doxazosin in females and the absence of established safety and effectiveness in children 1.
From the Research
Doxazosin can be used in female patients, primarily for the treatment of hypertension, with a typical starting dose of 1 mg once daily and gradual increases to 2-8 mg daily as needed. Doxazosin is an alpha-1 adrenergic blocker that was originally developed to treat high blood pressure but is also used for urinary symptoms. In women, it may also be used off-label to treat urinary retention or symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction, though this use is less common than in men where it's frequently prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia. When starting doxazosin, the first-dose phenomenon (significant drop in blood pressure causing dizziness or fainting) is a concern, so the initial dose should be taken at bedtime. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, fatigue, and postural hypotension. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding should discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider, as safety data in these populations is limited 2.
Some key points to consider when using doxazosin in female patients include:
- The medication's effectiveness in reducing blood pressure and its potential benefits in patients with other conditions, such as chronic renal failure 3
- The importance of monitoring blood pressure and adjusting the dose as needed to minimize the risk of side effects
- The potential for doxazosin to be used in combination with other antihypertensive medications to achieve optimal blood pressure control 2
- The need for careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits of doxazosin in female patients, particularly those who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, due to limited safety data in these populations.
Overall, doxazosin can be a useful treatment option for female patients with hypertension, but its use should be carefully considered and monitored by a healthcare provider to minimize the risk of side effects and ensure optimal treatment outcomes.