I have two questions. My wife started to take Cardura (starting now at low dose - 1/2mg per day) and it is helping her Raynaud's (a little) and is very effective in controlling the almost constant goose bumps she is so prone to. This is a very encouraging. For the past 2 yrs she has also been on Corgard 20 mg which effectively controls her neurocardiogenic syncope; Ortho Novum 1/35 to regulate her periods, and Mevcor for high cholesterol. She is 33/white/never pregnant/normal weight. Tested negative for anemia and low thyroid several times. No other medical problem except Mitral Valve Prolapse and associated dysautonomia.
After one day of headache and drowsiness, the side effects of the Cardura became minimal, except for persistant NASAL STUFFINESS. A week later she now seems to have sinusitis (Severe localized headache just above left eye and back about half way to the ear, that is sensitive to touch, and achy feverish feeling, plus stuffy nose). Would the nasal stuffiness side effect from the Cardura predispose her to sinus conditions/infections?
She's never had sinus problems and very few headaches before, although she has been prone to nasal stuffiness (but no sinus pressure or pain), that is not allergy related.
I really hate to have her stop taking the Cardura since it works so well. Is there any meds to counteract NON-ALLERGY related stuffiness that is NOT an alpha booster? (sudafed, etc. ) Please help. Thanks.
Reply: ------------------------
It would not be possible really to know with certainty whether the Cardura has anything to do with your wife's nasal or sinus complaint at this point - even considering your assertion that she has not previously had nasal or sinus problems. The fact is that it is quite possible based on what you have posted here, that your wife simply has an acute sinus condition that is completely unrelated to Cardura and just happened to occur coincidental to her recently starting the medication. The best way to determine whether nasal stuffiness is due to Cardura is to temporarily stop the medication and, assuming that the symptom goes away, to subsequently resume the medication and see if the symptom returns. However, even if Cardura can be conclusively shown to produce the nasal stuffiness, it would not be likely to cause one to be susceptible to actual sinus infection.
When nasal stuffiness can conclusively be shown to be a side effect of such medication and when discontinuing the medication is not appropriate, it is possible that topical nasal steroid medication such as Flonase, Beconase, Rhinocort, Nasacort, Vancenase, etc. might offer some benefit. Such medications have little risk of adverse side effects but usually require sustained (ie daily) use in order to be effective.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
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