Generic name: alfuzosin (al FUE zoe sin)
Brand name: Uroxatral
Drug class: Antiadrenergic agents, peripherally acting
Uroxatral (alfuzosin) is an alpha-adrenergic (AL-fa ad-ren-ER-Jk) blocker.
Uroxatral helps relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.
Uroxatral is used to improve urination in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).
Warnings
You should not take Uroxatral if you have moderate to severe liver disease.
Many drugs can affect alfuzosin, and some should not be used at the same time. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using.
Uroxatral lowers blood pressure and may cause dizziness or fainting, especially if you take heart or blood pressure medications. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how alfuzosin will affect you.
Call your doctor at once if you have a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.
Uroxatral can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Tell your eye surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medication. Do not stop using this medicine before surgery unless your surgeon tells you to.
There are many other drugs that can interact with alfuzosin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take Uroxatral if you are allergic to alfuzosin, or if you have:
- moderate to severe liver disease.
Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with Uroxatral. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use:
- an antibiotic;
- antifungal medicine;
- heart medication;
- antiviral medicine to treat hepatitis C or HIV/AIDS; or
- medicines similar to alfuzosin (doxazosin, prazosin, silodosin, tamsulosin, or terazosin).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- low blood pressure, especially if caused by taking medications;
- liver disease;
- kidney disease;
- prostate cancer; or
- long QT syndrome (in you or a family member).
Uroxatral can affect your pupils. If you have cataract surgery, tell your surgeon ahead of time that you use this medicine.
Alfuzosin is not for use in women, and the effects of this medicine during pregnancy or in breastfeeding women are unknown.
Uroxatral is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take Uroxatral?
Take Uroxatral exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Your doctor may test your prostate specific antigen (PSA) to check for prostate cancer before you take this medicine.
Uroxatral is usually taken once daily just after a meal, at the same time each day. Do not take the medicine on an empty stomach.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Alfuzosin lowers blood pressure and may cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you first start taking it. You may feel very dizzy when you first wake up. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.
Some things can cause your blood pressure to get too low. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia:
Extended-release tablet: 10 mg orally once a day immediately after the same meal each day
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What to avoid
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.
Uroxatral side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Uroxatral: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- new or worsening chest pain;
- upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
- penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.
Common Uroxatral side effects may include:
- dizziness;
- headache; or
- feeling tired.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Uroxatral?
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can increase your risk of very low blood pressure while taking Uroxatral, especially:
- heart or blood pressure medication;
- nitrate medication (such as nitroglycerin); or
- sildenafil (Viagra) and other erectile dysfunction medicines.
This list is not complete. Many other drugs can interact with alfuzosin, and some drugs should not be used at the same time. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.