doxazosin mesylate

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Doxazosin is an alpha 1 adrenergic antagonist indicated for: • Signs and symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) ( 1.1 ) • Treatment of Hypertension ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Doxazosin tablet is indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH. 1.2 Hypertension Doxazosin tablet is indicated for the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. These benefits have been seen in controlled trials of antihypertensive drugs from a wide variety of pharmacologic classes, including this drug. Control of high blood pressure should be part of comprehensive cardiovascular risk management, including, as appropriate, lipid control, diabetes management, antithrombotic therapy, smoking cessation, exercise, and limited sodium intake. Many patients will require more than one drug to achieve blood pressure goals. For specific advice on goals and management, see published guidelines, such as those of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program’s Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC). Numerous antihypertensive drugs, from a variety of pharmacologic classes and with different mechanisms of action, have been shown in randomized controlled trials to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and it can be concluded that it is blood pressure reduction, and not some other pharmacologic property of the drugs, that is largely responsible for those benefits. The largest and most consistent cardiovascular outcome benefit has been a reduction in the risk of stroke, but reductions in myocardial infarction and cardiovascular mortality also have been seen regularly. Elevated systolic or diastolic pressure causes increased cardiovascular risk, and the absolute risk increase per mmHg is greater at higher blood pressures, so that even modest reductions of severe hypertension can provide substantial benefit. Relative risk reduction from blood pressure reduction is similar across populations with varying absolute risk, so the absolute benefit is greater in patients who are at higher risk independent of their hypertension (for example, patients with diabetes or hyperlipidemia), and such patients would be expected to benefit from more aggressive treatment to a lower blood pressure goal. Some antihypertensive drugs have smaller blood pressure effects (as monotherapy) in black patients, and many antihypertensive drugs have additional approved indications and effects (e.g., on angina, heart failure, or diabetic kidney disease). These considerations may guide selection of therapy. Doxazosin tablet may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensives.

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION 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 followingadministration. 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 are 1 mg given once daily either in the morning or evening. Depending on the individual patient's urodynamics and BPH symptomatology, the dose may be titrated at 1 to 2 week intervals to 2 mg, and thereafter to 4 mg and 8 mg once daily. The maximum recommended dose for BPH is 8 mg once daily. Routinely monitor blood pressure in these patients. 2.3 Hypertension The initial dosage of doxazosin tablets are 1 mg given once daily. Daily dosage may be doubled up 16 mg once daily, as needed, to achieve the desired reduction in blood pressure.

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Doxazosin Tablets, USP are available containing doxazosin mesylate, USP equivalent to 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg or 8 mg doxazosin (free base). The 1 mg tablets are orange colored, capsule shaped, biconvex tablets debossed with "U" over bisect on one side and "351" on the other side. The 2 mg tablets are blue colored, capsule shaped, biconvex tablets debossed with "U" over bisect on one side and "352" on the other side. The 4 mg tablets are gray colored, capsule shaped, biconvex tablets debossed with "U" over bisect on one side and "353" on the other side. The 8 mg tablets are white to off white colored, capsule shaped, biconvex tablets debossed with "U" over bisect on one side and "354" on the other side. Tablets: 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg.

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of doxazosin mesylate is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to doxazosin, other quinazolines (e.g., prazosin, terazosin), or any of its components. Hypersensitivity to doxazosin, other quinazolines, or any other ingredient in doxazosin mesylate tablets. ( 4 )

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most commonly reported adverse reactions from clinical trials are Fatigue, malaise, hypotension, and dizziness. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Unichem Pharmaceuticals (USA), Inc., at 1-866-562-4616 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) The incidence of adverse events has been ascertained from worldwide clinical trials in 965 BPH patients. The incidence rates presented below (Table 2) are based on combined data from seven placebo-controlled trials involving once-daily administration of doxazosin tablets in doses of 1 to 16 mg in hypertensives and 0.5 to 8 mg in normotensives. Adverse reactions occurring more than 1% more frequently in BPH patients treated with doxazosin tablets vs placebo are summarized in Table 1. Table 1. Adverse Reactions Occurring more than 1% More Frequently in BPH Patients Treated with Doxazosin Tablets Versus Placebo BODY SYSTEM Doxazosin Tablets N=665 Placebo N=300 NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS Dizziness Includes vertigo 15.6% 9.0% Somnolence 3.0% 1.0% CARDIAC DISORDERS Hypotension 1.7% 0% RESPIRATORY, THORACIC AND MEDIASTINAL DISORDERS Dyspnoea 2.6% 0.3% GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS Dry Mouth 1.4% 0.3% GENERAL DISORDERS AND ADMINISTRATION SITE CONDITIONS Fatigue 8.0% 1.7% Oedema 2.7% 0.7% Other adverse reactions occurring less than 1% more frequently in BPH patients treated with doxazosin tablets vs placebo but plausibly related to doxazosin tablets include: palpitations. Hypertension Doxazosin tablets have been administered to approximately 4000 hypertensive patients in clinical trials, of whom 1679 were included in the hypertension clinical development program. In placebo-controlled studies, adverse events occurred in 49% and 40% of patients in the doxazosin and placebo groups, respectively, and led to discontinuation in 2% of patients in each group. Adverse reactions occurring more than 1% more frequently in hypertensive patients treated with doxazosin tablets vs placebo are summarized in Table 1. Postural effects and edema appeared to be dose-related. The prevalence rates presented below are based on combined data from placebo-controlled studies involving once-daily administration of doxazosin at doses ranging from 1 to 16 mg. Table 2. Adverse Reactions Occurring more than 1% More Frequently in Hypertensive Patients Treated with Doxazosin tablets versus Placebo BODY SYSTEM Doxazosin tablets N=339 Placebo N=336 NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS Dizziness 19% 9% Somnolence 5% 1% RESPIRATORY, THORACIC AND MEDIASTINAL DISORDERS Rhinitis 3% 1% RENAL AND URINARY DISORDERS Polyuria 2% 0% REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM AND BREAST DISORDERS GENERAL DISORDERS AND ADMINISTRATION SITE CONDITIONS Fatigue/ Malaise 12% 6% Other adverse reactions occurring less than 1% more frequently in hypertensive patients treated with doxazosin tablets vs placebo but plausibly related to doxazosin tablets use include vertigo, hypotension, hot flushes, epistaxis and oedema. Doxazosin tablets have been associated with decreases in white blood cell counts. Laboratory changes observed in clinical studies Leukopenia/Neutropenia: Decreases in mean white blood cell (WBC) and mean neutrophil count were observed in controlled clinical trials of hypertensive patients receiving doxazosin tablets. In cases where follow-up was available, WBC and neutrophil counts returned to normal after discontinuation of doxazosin tablets. No patients became symptomatic as a result of the low WBC or neutrophil counts. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of doxazosin tablets. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a …

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • Strong cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A inhibitors may increase exposure to doxazosin and increased risk of hypotension. ( 7.1 ) • Concomitant administration of Doxazosin with a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor can result in additive blood pressure lowering effects and symptomatic hypotension. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 CYP 3A Inhibitors In vitro studies suggest that doxazosin is a substrate of CYP 3A4. Strong CYP3A inhibitors may increase exposure to doxazosin. Monitor blood pressure and for symptoms of hypotension when Doxazosin is used concomitantly with strong CYP3A inhibitors [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.2 Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) Inhibitors Concomitant administration of Doxazosin with a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor can result in additive blood pressure lowering effects and symptomatic hypotension. Monitor blood pressure and for symptoms of hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].

Drug Interactions There are only limited data on the effects of drugs known to influence the hepatic metabolism of doxazosin (e.g., cimetidine). Cimetidine: In healthy volunteers, the administration of a single 1 mg dose of doxazosin on day 1 of a four-day regimen of oral cimetidine (400 mg twice daily) resulted in a 10% increase in mean AUC of doxazosin, and a slight but not significant increase in mean C max and mean half-life of doxazosin. In vitro data in human plasma indicate that Doxazosin has no effect on protein binding of digoxin, warfarin, phenytoin, or indomethacin.

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Hepatic Impairment: Monitor for hypotension. ( 8.6 , 12.3 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The limited available data with doxazosin tablets in pregnant women are not sufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. However, untreated hypertension during pregnancy can result in increased maternal risks [see Clinical Considerations] . In animal reproduction studies, no adverse developmental effects were observed when doxazosin was orally administered to pregnant rabbits and rats during the period of organogenesis at doses of up to 41 and 20 mg/kg, respectively (exposures in rabbits and rats were 10 and 4 times, respectively, the human AUC exposures with a 12 mg/day therapeutic dose). A dosage regimen of 82 mg/kg/day in the rabbit was associated with reduced fetal survival [see Data]. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Hypertension in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, premature delivery, and delivery complications (e.g., need for cesarean section, and post-partum hemorrhage). Hypertension increases the fetal risk for intrauterine growth restriction and intrauterine death. Data Animal Data Radioactivity was found to cross the placenta following oral administration of labeled doxazosin to pregnant rats. Studies in pregnant rabbits and rats at daily oral doses of up to 41 and 20 mg/kg, respectively (plasma drug concentrations of 10 and 4 times, respectively, the human AUC exposures with a 12 mg/day therapeutic dose), have revealed no evidence of adverse developmental effects. A dosage regimen of 82 mg/kg/day in the rabbit was associated with reduced fetal survival. In peri- and postnatal studies in rats, postnatal development at maternal doses of 40 or 50 mg/kg/day of doxazosin (about 8 times human AUC exposure with a 12 mg/day therapeutic dose) was delayed, as evidenced by slower body weight gain and slightly later appearance of anatomical features and reflexes. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There is limited information on the presence of doxazosin in human milk [see Data]. There is no information on the effects of doxazosin on the breastfeed infant or the effects on milk production. Data A single case study reports that doxazosin is present in human milk, which resulted in an infant dose of less than 1% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage and a milk/plasma ratio of 0.1. However, these data are insufficient to confirm the presence of doxazosin in human milk. 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of doxazosin tablets have not been established in children. 8.5 Geriatric Use Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) The safety and effectiveness profile of doxazosin tablets was similar in the elderly (age ≥ 65 years) and younger (age < 65 years) patients. Hypertension Clinical studies of doxazosin tablets did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. 8.6 Hepatic Impairment Doxazosin tablets are extensively metabolized in the liver. Hepatic impairment is expected to increase exposure to doxazosin. Use of doxazosin tablets in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) is not recommended. Monitor blood pressure and for symptoms of hypotensio …

12.1 Mechanism of Action Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) The symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), such as urinary frequency, nocturia, weak stream, hesitancy, and incomplete emptying are related to two components, anatomical (static) and functional (dynamic). The static component is related to an increase in prostate size caused, in part, by a proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the prostatic stroma. However, the severity of BPH symptoms and the degree of urethral obstruction do not correlate well with the size of the prostate. The dynamic component of BPH is associated with an increase in smooth muscle tone in the prostate and bladder neck. The degree of tone in this area is mediated by the alpha 1 adrenoceptor, which is present in high density in the prostatic stroma, prostatic capsule and bladder neck. Blockade of the alpha 1 receptor decreases urethral resistance and may relieve the obstruction and BPH symptoms and improve urine flow. Hypertension The mechanism of action of doxazosin mesylate is selective blockade of the alpha 1 (postjunctional) subtype of adrenergic receptors. Studies in normal human subjects have shown that doxazosin competitively antagonized the pressor effects of phenylephrine (an alpha 1 agonist) and the systolic pressor effect of norepinephrine. Doxazosin and prazosin have similar abilities to antagonize phenylephrine. The antihypertensive effect of doxazosin mesylate results from a decrease in systemic vascular resistance. The parent compound doxazosin is primarily responsible for the antihypertensive activity. The low plasma concentrations of known active and inactive metabolites of doxazosin (2-piperazinyl, 6'- and 7'-hydroxy and 6- and 7-O-desmethyl compounds) compared to parent drug indicate that the contribution of even the most potent compound (6'-hydroxy) to the antihypertensive effect of doxazosin in man is probably small. The 6'- and 7'-hydroxy metabolites have demonstrated antioxidant properties at concentrations of 5 μM, in vitro .

11 DESCRIPTION Doxazosin tablets, USP are a quinazoline compound that is a selective inhibitor of the alpha 1 subtype of alpha -adrenergic receptors. The chemical name of doxazosin mesylate is 1-(4-amino-6,7-dimethoxy-2-quinazolinyl)-4-(1,4-benzodioxan-2-ylcarbonyl)piperazine methanesulfonate. The molecular formula for doxazosin mesylate is C 23 H 25 N 5 O 5 . CH 4 O 3 S and the molecular weight is 547.58. It has the following structure: Doxazosin mesylate, USP is freely soluble in dimethylsulfoxide, soluble in dimethylformamide, slightly soluble in methanol, ethanol, and water (0.8% at 25°C), and very slightly soluble in acetone and methylene chloride. Doxazosin tablets are available as colored tablets for oral use and contains 1 mg (orange), 2 mg (blue), 4 mg (gray) and 8 mg (white to off-white) of doxazosin as the free base. The inactive ingredients for all tablets are: lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium starch glycolate. The 1 mg tablet contains FD & C Yellow No: 6 Aluminium Lake;the 2 mg tablet contains FD & C Blue # 2/ Indigo Carmine Al(11 - 14%); the 4 mg tablet contains FD & C Yellow No: 6 Aluminium Lake and FD & C Blue # 2/ Indigo Carmine Al(11 - 14%). FDA approved dissolution test specifications differ from USP. Chemical Structure

10 OVERDOSAGE Experience with doxazosin mesylate overdosage is limited. Two adolescents, who each intentionally ingested 40 mg doxazosin mesylate with diclofenac or acetaminophen, were treated with gastric lavage with activated charcoal and made full recoveries. A two-year-old child who accidently ingested 4 mg doxazosin mesylate was treated with gastric lavage and remained normotensive during the five-hour emergency room observation period. A six-month-old child accidentally received a crushed 1 mg tablet of doxazosin mesylate and was reported to have been drowsy. A 32-year-old female with chronic renal failure, epilepsy, and depression intentionally ingested 60 mg doxazosin mesylate (blood level = 0.9 mcg/mL; normal values in hypertensives = 0.02 mcg/mL); death was attributed to a grand mal seizure resulting from hypotension. A 39-year-old female who ingested 70 mg doxazosin mesylate, alcohol, and Dalmane ® (flurazepam) developed hypotension which responded to fluid therapy. The oral LD 50 of doxazosin is greater than 1000 mg/kg in mice and rats. The most likely manifestation of overdosage would be hypotension, for which the usual treatment would be intravenous infusion of fluid. As doxazosin is highly protein bound, dialysis would not be indicated.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Doxazosin Tablets, USP are available as scored tablets for oral administration. Each tablet contains doxazosin mesylate equivalent to 1 mg (orange), 2 mg (blue), 4 mg (gray) and 8 mg (white to off-white) of doxazosin as the free base. The 1 mg tablets are orange colored, capsule shaped, biconvex tablets debossed with "U" over bisect on one side and "351" on the other side. They are available as: Bottles of 30: NDC 29300-351-13 Bottles of 100: NDC29300-351-01 Bottles of 1,000: NDC 29300-351-10 The 2 mg tablets are blue colored, capsule shaped, biconvex tablets debossed with "U" over bisect on one side and "352" on the other side. They are available as: Bottles of 30: NDC 29300-352-13 Bottles of 100: NDC 29300-352-01 Bottles of 1,000: NDC 29300-352-10 The 4 mg tablets are gray colored, capsule shaped, biconvex tablets debossed with "U" over bisect on one side and "353" on the other side. They are available as: Bottles of 30: NDC 29300-353-13 Bottles of 100: NDC 29300-353-01 Bottles of 1,000: NDC 29300-353-10 The 8 mg tablets are white to off white colored, capsule shaped, biconvex tablets debossed with "U"over bisect on one side and "354" on the other side. They are available as: Bottles of 30: NDC 29300-354-13 Bottles of 100: NDC 29300-354-01 Bottles of 1,000: NDC 29300-354-10 Recommended Storage: Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP for Controlled Room Temperature]. [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].