DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Alfuzosin (al-FYOO-zoe-sin)
Brand Name: Uroxatral

Alfuzosin is used for:

Treating symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate and certain conditions as determined by your doctor.

Alfuzosin is an alpha-blocker. It works by blocking receptors in the lower urinary tract, causing smooth muscles in the bladder neck and prostate to relax. This relaxation improves urine flow and reduces the symptoms of BPH.

Do NOT use Alfuzosin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Alfuzosin
• you have moderate to severe liver disease
• you are taking alpha-blockers (eg, prazosin), azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), or an HIV protease inhibitor (eg, ritonavir)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Alfuzosin :

Some medical conditions may interact with Alfuzosin . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have low blood pressure, heart problems, kidney problems, other prostate gland problems, or cancer

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Alfuzosin . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Alpha-blockers (eg, prazosin), azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), or phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (eg, sildenafil) because the risk of side effects, such as severe low blood pressure, may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Alfuzosin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Alfuzosin :

Use Alfuzosin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Alfuzosin with food and with the same meal every day.
• Alfuzosin comes with an additional patient leaflet. Read it carefully and reread it each time you get Alfuzosin refilled.
• Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
• Taking Alfuzosin at the same time each day will help you to remember to take it.
• Take Alfuzosin regularly to receive the most benefit from it.
• If you miss a dose of Alfuzosin , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Alfuzosin .

Important safety information:

• Alfuzosin may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Alfuzosin . Using Alfuzosin alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Alfuzosin may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, standing for a long period of time, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness.
• Avoid situations where injury could occur due to fainting.
• Stop using Alfuzosin and contact your health care provider if chest pain occurs or worsens.
• Alfuzosin is not recommended for use in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Alfuzosin during pregnancy. It is unknown if Alfuzosin is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast feeding while you are using Alfuzosin , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Alfuzosin :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Dizziness; drowsiness; headache; stuffy nose.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); back pain; chest pain; decreased sexual ability; fainting; fast heartbeat; joint pain; lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position; painful, prolonged erection; stomach or abdominal pain; unusual fatigue or weakness.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Low blood pressure may occur if Alfuzosin is taken in higher doses than prescribed. Symptoms may include fainting; irregular heartbeat.

Proper storage of Alfuzosin :

Store Alfuzosin at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Keep Alfuzosin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Alfuzosin , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Alfuzosin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Alfuzosin . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.