Alfuzosin (other name Uroxatral)

Common use

Uroxatral is an alpha-blocker. It is used in treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in men with an enlarged prostate. It works by blocking receptores in the lower urinary tract, relaxing smooth muscles in the bladder neck and prostate.

Dosage and direction

Use Uroxatral as prescribed by your doctor. Take it orally with the same meal every day. Avoid splitting, crushing, breaking or chewing it. Swallow it the whole.

Precautions

Use the medicine with caution. It can cause dizziness, drowsiness or lightheadedness. Sit up or stand slowly. Avoid situations where injury could occur because of fainting.
Avoid taking alcohol.
If chest pain occurs or worsens contact you doctor.
If you have to have a surgery especially dental or eye surgery for cataract, tell your doctor that your are using Uroxatral.
Uroxatral can cause a prolonged and painful erection. Contact your doctor, it could lead to impotence and other sexual problems.

Contraindications

You should not use the medicine if you have allergy to it, liver problems and you are taking alpha-blockers, macrolide antibiotics, nefazodone, azole antifungals, HIV pritease inhibitors and telithromycin.

Possible side effect

The most common side effects include: drowsiness, dizziness, stomach pain, runny nose, headache, fatigue.
Severe side effects include: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); back pain; chest pain; dark urine; decreased sexual ability; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; joint pain; painful, prolonged erection; pale stools; severe or persistent dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain; unusual fatigue or weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Seek medical help if any of the listed above symptoms occurs.

Drug interaction

Tell your doctor if you take the following medicines: azole antifungals, macrolide antibiotics, amiodarone, alpha-blokers, HIV protease inhibitors, nefazodone, nitrates, phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors (eg, sildenafil), or telithromycin because the risk of side effects, such as severe low blood pressure, may be increased.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Uroxatral, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Overdose

Symptoms may include fainting, irregular heartbeat. Seek medical attention immediately if you overdosed the medicine.

Storage

Store Uroxatral ap to 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Uroxatral out of the reach of children and away from pets.