What is Alfuzosin?
Alfuzosin is a drug that requires a prescription. It comes in oral extended-release tablet form under the brand name Uroxatral. It is used to treat the signs and symptoms of benign prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) by relaxing prostate muscles and facilitating bladder opening.
Alfuzosin Medicine Uses
- Men take alfuzosin to relieve the effects of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia-BPH).
- It functions by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder, rather than shrinking the prostate.
- This helps to alleviate BPH symptoms including trouble starting the flow of urine, a sluggish stream, and the need to urinate regularly or urgently.
- It belongs to the class of medication called alpha-blockers.
Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!
Get A Second OpinionAlfuzosin Drug Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of alfuzosin are:
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Pain
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Nausea
The most serious side effects of alfuzosin are:
- Rash
- Swelling of the face
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain
- Fainting
If you experience any serious side effects from Alfuzosin, consult your doctor immediately.
Precautions while Taking Alfuzosin
- Consult your doctor before taking alfuzosin if you have allergies to it or any related medications.
- The medication may contain inactive ingredients that could trigger serious allergic reactions or other complications.
- Discuss your medical history with your doctor, especially if you have liver disease, kidney disease, heart problems, low blood pressure, or eye issues, before using alfuzosin.
- Alfuzosin has been associated with a heart rhythm disorder known as QT prolongation.
- QT prolongation may cause serious symptoms like fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, and fainting.
- Seek urgent medical attention for any signs of QT prolongation while using alfuzosin.
Dosage of Alfuzosin
Alfuzosin is available as an extended-release tablet taken orally once daily, ideally after eating. It should not be taken on an empty stomach. Consistency in timing with meals helps maintain steady drug release and reduces the risk of side effects. Only break tablets with a scoreline if advised by a healthcare professional, and always swallow them whole without crushing or chewing.
Dosage Forms and Strengths of Alfuzosin
Generic
Alfuzosin
- Form: Oral extended-release tablet (10 mg)
Prescription
Uroxatral
- Form: Oral extended-release tablet (10 mg)
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)
10 mg should be taken once per day.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Alfuzosin, take it as soon as you remember.skip the missed dose and return to the daily dosing schedule. To make up for a missed dose, do not take a double dose.
Overdose
Accidental overdose of medication can have harmful effects on your body's functions and may lead to a medical emergency.
Warnings for some Serious Health Conditions
- For people with liver problems: If you have liver problems, avoid taking alfuzosin as it may lead to increased drug levels in your body and higher risk of side effects.
- For people with Kidney problems : If you have severe kidney problems, use this drug cautiously as it may lead to increased drug levels in your body and higher risk of side effects.
- For people with rhythm heart problems: Use alfuzosin cautiously if you have a heart disorder called QT prolongation or are taking drugs that lengthen the QT interval, as its effect on your QT interval is uncertain.
- For people with prostate cancer : Before starting alfuzosin, your doctor will examine your prostate gland and perform a PSA test to check for prostate cancer, as symptoms of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia can be similar.
- Pregnant Women : Alfuzosin is only used in men for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia and is not recommended for pregnant women due to lack of studies.
- Breastfeeding: This medication is only for men; women should not use it.
Storage of Alfuzosin
Keep your medication away from heat, air, and light to prevent damage and potential harmful effects. Store it in a safe place out of children's reach, ideally at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Alfuzosin vs Silodosin
| Alfuzosin | Silodosin |
|---|---|
| Alfuzosin is a drug that requires a prescription. It comes in the form of an oral extended-release tablet. It is available as the brand name drug called Uroxatral. | Silodosin is an alpha-adrenergic blocker which is used to improve urination in men with Benign prostatic hyperplasia. The medication is available in a prescription only. |
| Men take alfuzosin to relieve the effects of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia-BPH). It functions by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder, rather than shrinking the prostate. | It functions by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder, rather than shrinking the prostate. |
Some of the common side effects of alfuzosin are:
Some of the common side effects of alfuzosin are:
|
Some of the common side effects of silodosin are:
|
Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Some of the common side effects of alfuzosin are
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Pain
Alfuzosin is a drug that requires a prescription. It comes in the form of an oral extended-release tablet. It is available as a brand name drug called Uroxatral. It is used to treat the signs and symptoms of benign prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH).
Take this medicine by mouth, normally once a day after a meal, as advised by your doctor. It is safest to take this drug with food. Alfuzosin does not function as well if taken on an empty stomach. Extended-release tablets should not be crushed or chewed.
If you stop taking it or don't take it at all: You can experience increased BPH symptoms if you don't take alfuzosin or if you quit taking it. These symptoms include trouble starting to urinate, straining when attempting to urinate, repeated urges to urinate, pain during urination, and dribbling after urination.
Alfuzosin typically starts working within a few hours of taking the first dose. However, it may take several weeks of regular use to experience the full benefits for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Alfuzosin treats symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men by relaxing muscles in the prostate and bladder, improving urinary flow and reducing symptoms like difficulty urinating.
Taking alfuzosin can help improve urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), such as difficulty urinating, weak urine stream, and frequent urination. By relaxing muscles in the prostate and bladder, alfuzosin enhances urinary flow and reduces discomfort related to BPH.
Alfuzosin 10mg is used to relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men, improving urinary flow and reducing difficulties in urination.
Alfuzosin is often taken at night because it can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, which may increase the risk of falls or accidents. By taking it before bedtime, individuals can minimize the impact of these side effects during waking hours.
No, Alfuzosin does not cause prostate shrinkage; it works by relaxing muscles in the prostate and bladder to alleviate symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
