Alfuzosin (By mouth)

al-FUE-zoe-sin

Treats problems with urination caused by an enlarged prostate (also called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH). This medicine is an alpha-blocker.

Drug classes

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Agent (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Alfuzosin is used to treat the signs and symptoms of benign enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). Benign enlargement of the prostate is a problem that can occur in men as they get older. The prostate gland is located below the bladder. As the prostate gland enlarges, certain muscles in the gland may become tight and get in the way of the tube that drains urine from the bladder. This can cause problems with urinating, such as a need to urinate often, a weak stream when urinating, or a feeling of not being able to empty the bladder completely.

Alfuzosin helps relax the muscles in the prostate and the opening of the bladder. This may help increase the flow of urine or decrease the symptoms. However, alfuzosin will not shrink the prostate. The prostate may continue to get larger. This may cause the symptoms to become worse over time. Therefore, even though alfuzosin may lessen the problems caused by enlarged prostate now, surgery still may be needed in the future.

This medicine is usually given only to men. It is not normally given to women or children.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Long Acting Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

It is best to take this medicine with food or milk. Take the medicine right after the same meal every day.

Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not use alfuzosin if you are taking ketoconazole, itraconazole, or ritonavir.

Some medicines can affect how alfuzosin works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

Angina medicine Blood pressure medicine Cimetidine Diltiazem Erectile dysfunction medicine

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to alfuzosin, or if you have moderate to severe liver disease.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, severe chest pain (angina), low blood pressure, or a family history of a heart condition called congenital QT prolongation.

This medicine may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Get up slowly from a sitting or lying position. If you feel dizzy, lie down so you do not faint. Then sit for a few moments before you stand up.

Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine or used it in recent months. Alfuzosin may cause a serious eye problem called Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS) after cataract surgery.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have a prolonged erection while you are taking this medicine. The condition must be treated right away to prevent permanent impotence.

Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Chest pain, discomfort, tightness, or heaviness

Decrease in how much or how often you urinate

Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

Fever, chills, cough, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and body aches

Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

Nausea, shortness of breath, or sweating

Painful, prolonged erection of your penis

Pain in your arm, back, or jaw

Unusual tiredness or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Headache

Trouble having sex

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Uroxatral

There may be other brand names for this medicine.