What is Alfuzosin ?
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). Benign prostate enlargement is a condition that can affect men as they grow older. The medication is used in the relaxation of the prostate muscles and the opening of the bladder. This can assist in improving urine flow or alleviating symptoms.
Alfuzosin 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.
Alfuzosin Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of alfuzosin are:
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Pain
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Nausea
Most serious side effects of alfuzosin are:
- Rash
- Swelling of the face
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain
- Fainting
Alfuzosin can cause some serious side effects and can lead to some serious health problems. If you are facing any of the above serious side effects. Talk with your doctor if you are having any serious problems.
Precautions
Before taking alfuzosin talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications related to it. The medication may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious allergic reaction or some other serious problems. Before using the medication talk to your doctor if you are having any medical history such as liver disease, kidney disease, heart problems, low blood pressure and eye problems.
Alfuzosin has been linked to heart rhythm disorder (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (including extreme dizziness and fainting) that require immediate medical attention.
How to use Alfuzosin?
Alfuzosin is available as a long-acting (extended-release) tablet that should be taken orally. It's normally taken once a day, right after eating. Alfuzosin should not be administered on an empty stomach. Take alfuzosin after the same meal every day to make you continue to take it. This can cause the whole drug to be released at once, raising the likelihood of side effects. Even, unless your doctor or pharmacist advises you to, do not break the tablets unless they have a scoreline. Without crushing or chewing, swallow the entire or broken tablet.
Dosage Forms and strengths
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
As soon as you remember, take the missing dose. If it’s time for the next dose, 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
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Warnings for some Serious Health Conditions
For people with liver problems
If you have mild to serious liver problems, you should not take alfuzosin. More of the drug can stay in your body if your liver isn't working properly. You're more likely to experience side effects as a result of this.
For people with Kidney problems
If you have serious kidney problems, use this drug with caution. More of the drug can stay in your body if your kidneys aren't working properly. You're more likely to experience side effects as a result of this.
For people with rhythm heart problems
If you have a heart disorder called QT prolongation or are taking drugs that lengthen the QT interval, use this drug with caution. The effect of alfuzosin on your QT interval is uncertain.
For people with prostate cancer
Prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia have common symptoms, but prostate cancer is treated differently. Before beginning alfuzosin, the doctor will examine your prostate gland and perform a blood test called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to check for prostate cancer.
Pregnant Women
Alfuzosin is only used in men to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. Alfuzosin has not been studied in pregnant women, so it is not recommended for them.
Breastfeeding
The medication is used only in men and women shouldn’t use this medication.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Alfuzosin vs Silodosin
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| 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:
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Some of the common side effects of silodosin are:
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