Cardura XL and Sodium Nitroprusside

• Generic Name: doxazosin
• Dosage Forms: tablet, multilayer, extended release
• Other Brand Names: Cardura, Cardura XL, Doxadura, Cascor, Carduran

Cardura XL is an alpha-adrenergic (AL-fa ad-ren-ER-jik) blockers. This medicine relaxes your veins and arteries so that blood can more easily pass through them. It also relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.

Cardura XL is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), or to improve urination in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).

The extended-release form of doxazosin (Cardura XL) is for use only in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia and should not be used to treat hypertension.

Cardura XL may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: nitroprusside
• Dosage Forms: injection
• Other Brand Names: Nitropress, Nipride RTU

Nitroprusside is a vasodilator that works by relaxing the muscles in your blood vessels to help them dilate (widen). This lowers blood pressure and allows blood to flow more easily through your veins and arteries.

Nitroprusside is used to treat congestive heart failure and life-threatening high blood pressure (hypertension). Nitroprusside is also used to keep blood pressure low during a surgery.

Nitroprusside may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.