Alfuzosin

(INN, provided as the hydrocloride salt) is an alpha-adrenegric blocker used for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Alfuzosin is used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, enlarged prostate) such as frequent, urgent need to urinate during the day and at night, weak urine stream, and difficulty urinating. Alfuzosin is in a class of medications called alpha-1 blockers. It works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck to allow urine to flow more easily.

How should this medicine be used?

Alfuzosin comes as an extended release (long acting) tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day, immediately after a meal. To help you remember to take alfuzosin, take it after the same meal every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take alfuzosin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.

Alfuzosin controls BPH but does not cure it. Continue to take alfuzosin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking alfuzosin without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking alfuzosin,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to alfuzosin, mannitol, or any other medications.
• do not take alfuzosin if you are taking itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), or ritonavir (Norvir).
• do not take tadalafil (Cialis) or vardenafil (Levitra) if you are taking alfuzosin.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: amiodarone (Cordarone); atenolol (Tenormin); cimetidine (Tagamet); cisapride (Propulsid); clarithormycin (Biaxin); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), danazol (Danocrine); delavirdine (Rescriptor); diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac); disopyramide (Norpace); dofetilide (Tikosyn); erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin); fluconazole (Diflucan); fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem); fluvoxamine (Luvox); HIV protease inhibitors such as indinavir (Crixivan) and nelfinavir (Viracept); isoniazid (INH, Nydrazid); medications for high blood pressure; metronidazole (Flagyl); moxifloxacin (Avelox); nefazodone (Serzone); other alpha blockers such as doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), terazosin (Hytrin), and tamsulosin (Flomax); pimozide (Orap); procainamide (Procanbid, Pronestyl); quinidine (Quinidex); sildenafil (Viagra); sotalol (Betapace, Betapace AF); sparfloxacin (Zagam); thioridazine (Mellaril); troleandomycin (TAO); verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan); and zafirlukast (Accolate). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had prostate cancer, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or heart, liver, or kidney disease, and if you have ever become dizzy, fainted, or had low blood pressure after taking any medication.
• you should know that alfuzosin is only for use in men. Women should not take alfuzosin, especially if they are or could become pregnant or are breast-feeding. If a pregnant woman takes alfuzosin, she should call her doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking alfuzosin.
• you should know that alfuzosin may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting, especially when you get up too quickly from a lying position. This is more common when you first start taking alfuzosin. To avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up. Avoid driving and operating machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Talk to your doctor about drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Alfuzosin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness
• excessive tiredness
• headache
• runny or stuffy nose
• pain
• stomach pain
• heartburn
• constipation
• upset stomach
• decrease in sexual ability

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• chest pain
• sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection
• fainting
• blurred vision

Alfuzosin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• dizziness
• fainting
• blurred vision
• upset stomach

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

• Uroxatral®