Heart & blood pressure
Alpha-1 blocker
Doxazosin
Also known as: Cardura
Best time
Bedtime
- 21:00–23:00
Usually started at bedtime to sleep through the dizziness it can cause, and to blunt the morning blood-pressure surge.
Moderate evidence
Supported by studies and drug pharmacology, but guidance varies between sources.
Why this time works
Doxazosin can cause a sharp blood-pressure drop after the first doses ('first-dose effect'). Taking it at bedtime means this happens while lying down. It also counters the early-morning sympathetic surge.
Body rhythm involved
Sympathetic (adrenaline) activity rises sharply on waking.