alfuzosin

(al fue ZO sin)
Uroxatral

What is the most important information I should know about alfuzosin?

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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities until you know how alfuzosin affects you. Alfuzosin may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Lying down with your legs and feet up may alleviate dizziness. If dizziness persists or fainting occurs, contact your doctor.

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Dizziness may be more likely to occur when rising from sitting or lying down. Rise slowly and use caution to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.

What is alfuzosin?

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Alfuzosin is in a class of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers. Alfuzosin helps relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.

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Alfuzosin is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).

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Alfuzosin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking alfuzosin?

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Before taking alfuzosin, tell your doctor if you

have had an allergic reaction to alfuzosin or another alpha-blocker such as terazosin (Hytrin), prazosin (Minipress), doxazosin (Cardura), or guanadrel (Hylorel);

are already taking an alpha-blocker such as terazosin (Hytrin), prazosin (Minipress), doxazosin (Cardura), or guanadrel (Hylorel) for high blood pressure or prostate problems;

have liver problems;

have kidney problems;

have a personal or family history of a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval;

have angina (chest, jaw or arm pain related to the heart);

have low blood pressure;

are taking an antifungal medicine such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox); or

are taking certain protease inhibitors (used to treat HIV) such as ritonavir (Norvir).

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You may not be able to take alfuzosin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

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Alfuzosin is not indicated for use by women. Alfuzosin is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that alfuzosin is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take alfuzosin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

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Alfuzosin is not indicated for use by women. It is not known whether alfuzosin passes into breast milk. Do not take alfuzosin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take alfuzosin?

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Take alfuzosin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

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Take each dose with a full glass of water.

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Take alfuzosin after the same meal each day. Alfuzosin should be taken just after eating food. Do not take it on an empty stomach.

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Do not crush, chew, or break the alfuzosin tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body.

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It is important to take alfuzosin regularly to get the most benefit.

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Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with alfuzosin to monitor progress and side effects.

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Store alfuzosin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

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Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

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Symptoms of a alfuzosin overdose may include weakness, dizziness, and fainting; a weak, fast pulse; cold, clammy skin; and possible loss of consciousness or coma.

What should I avoid while taking alfuzosin?

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Dizziness may be more likely to occur when rising from sitting or lying down. Rise slowly and use caution to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.

What are the possible side effects of alfuzosin?

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If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking alfuzosin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

new or worsening chest pain; or

fainting.

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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take alfuzosin and talk to your doctor if you experience

dizziness or drowsiness;

fatigue;

headache; or

symptoms of a cold or upper respiratory infection.

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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect alfuzosin?

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Many other drugs may interact with alfuzosin. Talk to your doctor before taking any other medicines during treatment with alfuzosin especially any of the following:

an antifungal medicine such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox);

certain protease inhibitors (used to treat HIV) such as ritonavir (Norvir);

another alpha-blocker such as terazosin (Hytrin), prazosin (Minipress), doxazosin (Cardura), or guanadrel (Hylorel) for high blood pressure or prostate problems; or

diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR, Diltia XT, Tiazac).

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You may not be able to take alfuzosin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with alfuzosin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

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Your pharmacist has additional information about alfuzosin written for health professionals that you may read

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.