This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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alfuzosin Consumer Information
ALFUZOSIN
Generic Name: alfuzosin (al fue ZO sin)
Brand Names: Uroxatral
What is the most important information I should know about alfuzosin?
- 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.
- 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?
- Alfuzosin is in a class of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers. Alfuzosin helps the muscles in the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.
- Alfuzosin is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).
- 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?
- 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; or
- are taking other medications especially ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), or ritonavir (Norvir).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
- 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.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Take alfuzosin after the same meal each day. Alfuzosin should be taken just after eating food. Do not take it on an empty stomach.
- Do not crush, chew, or break the alfuzosin tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body.
- It is important to take alfuzosin regularly to get the most benefit.
- Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with alfuzosin to monitor progress and side effects.
- Store alfuzosin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- 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?
- Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
- 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?
- 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.
- 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.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.