Alfuzosin

Description

Alfuzosin is a prescription medicine containing Alfuzosin. It is used to treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. BPH is a condition that causes enlargement of the prostate gland leading to urinary problems like difficulty in urination, increased frequency, weak urine stream, etc. This medicine works by relaxing the muscles in your urinary bladder, urethra, and prostate. Thus, it helps to relieve the symptoms of BPH. Alfuzosin may cause side effects like headache, dizziness, diarrhoea, stuffy nose, tiredness, and decreased sexual drive. Consult your doctor if these symptoms remain for a long time or become severe. Alfuzosin should be taken as instructed by your doctor. Your doctor will determine the dose and duration of treatment based on the severity of your condition. Avoid taking more than the prescribed dose. For the ease of remembering and better results, take it at the same time every day. Do not stop taking Alfuzosin without consulting your doctor, as your symptoms may reappear or worsen. Alfuzosin should be avoided if you are allergic to it or have severe liver problems. Inform your doctor if you have low blood pressure, kidney or heart problems, or taking any other medicines before starting the treatment with Alfuzosin. This medicine is not indicated for use in women and children.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Alfuzosin

  • Hypersensitivity
  • Difficulty with swallowing
  • Chest pain
  • Fainting
  • Runny Nose
  • Heartburn
  • Diarrhoea
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Abdominal pain
  • Headache
  • Decreased sexual urge

Uses of Alfuzosin

What is it prescribed for?

  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia
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Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • Onset of action
    The amount of time required for Alfuzosin to show its action is approximately 1 hour.
  • Duration of effect
    The amount of time for which Alfuzosin remains active in your body is approximately 24 hours.
  • Safe with alcohol?
    Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Alfuzosin as it can lower your blood pressure and you may experience dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, etc.
  • Is it habit forming?
    No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Alfuzosin.
  • Usage in pregnancy?
    Alfuzosin is not intended for use in women.
  • Usage while breast-feeding?
    Alfuzosin is not intended for use in women.

Allergy

Avoid taking Alfuzosin if you are allergic to it. Serious allergic reactions to this medicine are rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.

Moderate to severe liver impairment

Alfuzosin is broken down in your liver. Hence, this medicine is not recommended for use if you have moderate to severe liver problems as it may cause further liver damage.
Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

Alfuzosin is not intended for use in women.

Breast-feeding

Alfuzosin is not intended for use in women.
General warnings

Driving or operating machines

Alfuzosin may cause a decrease in blood pressure leading to symptoms like dizziness. Avoid performing activities that require high mental alertness like driving vehicles or operating machines if you feel dizzy after taking this medicine.

Women and Children

Alfuzosin is not indicated for use in women and children.

Priapism

Alfuzosin may rarely cause priapism (a prolonged erection of the penis). Seek immediate medical attention if this occurs. If priapism is not treated, it may lead to impotence.

Other medicines

Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, as they may interact with Alfuzosin and cause undesired effects.

Low blood pressure

Alfuzosin may cause dilation of your blood vessels and lead to a decrease in blood pressure. Hence, this medicine should be used with caution if have low blood pressure.

Cataract surgery

Cataract surgery is an eye surgery performed to replace the lens in your eyes with an artificial lens to correct the blurring of vision. Alfuzosin may lead to complications during cataract surgery. Hence, if you are taking this medicine, inform your doctor before undergoing surgery.

QT Prolongation

QT prolongation is a condition in which your heart muscles take a longer time to recharge between a heartbeat. Alfuzosin should be used with caution if you have this condition, or if you are taking medications that may cause QT prolongation.

Prostate Cancer

Cancer of the prostate gland has similar symptoms to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Hence, it is important to know if you have prostate cancer before starting the treatment with Alfuzosin. Your doctor may suggest tests to rule out the presence of prostate cancer before starting the treatment with this medicine.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Alfuzosin, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

Never take more than the prescribed dose of Alfuzosin. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol

Description

N/A

Instructions

Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Alfuzosin as it can lower your blood pressure and you may experience dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, etc.
Interaction with Medicine

Clarithromycin

Amiodarone

Metoprolol

Tadalafil

Disease interactions

Liver disease

Alfuzosin should be used with caution if you have liver problems as this medicine may cause further liver damage. Your doctor may suggest tests to periodically monitor your liver function while you are taking this medicine.

Kidney Disease

Alfuzosin should be used with caution if you have kidney problems as it may increase the risk of side effects. Your doctor may suggest tests to periodically monitor your kidney function and recommend dose adjustments based on your clinical condition.
Food interactions
Alfuzosin should be taken immediately after a meal, as food will increase the absorption of this medicine. Do not take this medicine on an empty stomach.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Alfuzosin is usually taken once a day, usually after a meal. Do not take it on an empty stomach. Do not break, crush or chew the tablet. Swallow as a whole with plenty of water. Avoid taking more or less than the prescribed dose. Take this medicine for the recommended duration for better results. Consult your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or become worse. Report to your doctor about all your medical conditions and current medicines before starting treatment with Alfuzosin. Avoid driving vehicles or operating machines if you feel dizzy after taking this medicine.
Miscelleneous

To be taken immediately after food

To be taken as instructed by doctor

May cause sleepiness

How it works
Alfuzosin works by relaxing the muscles of your bladder neck, urethra, and prostate. Thus, it relieves the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Unknown

Approved

Classification

Category

Antiadrenergic agents, peripherally acting, Alpha-blockers

Schedule

Schedule H

Drugs, H., 2022. Alfuzosin: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 3 January 2022].

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604002.html>

Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2022. These highlights do not include all the information needed to use ALFUZOSIN HYDROCHLORIDE EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for ALFUZOSIN HYDROCHLORIDE EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS. ALFUZOSIN HYDROCHLORIDE extended-release tablets, USP for oral useInitial U.S. Approval: 2003. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 3 January 2022].

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=be485a4c-aba3-43fa-9904-403595bc3f96&audience=consumer>

Medicines.org.uk. 2022. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 3 January 2022].

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/PIL.30787.latest.pdf>

Ebs.tga.gov.au. 2022. TGA eBS - Product and Consumer Medicine Information Licence. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 3 January 2022].

https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent&id=CP-2010-PI-06680-3>

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Information on this page was last updated on 15 Mar 2022

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