Alfuzosin (By mouth)

Introduction:

Alfuzosin (al-FUE-zoe-sin)

Treats an enlarged prostate (also called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). This medicine is an alpha-blocker.

Brand Name(s):

Uroxatral

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to alfuzosin, or if you are also using ketoconazole (Nizoral®), itraconazole (Sporanox®), or ritonavir (Norvir®). Do not take this medicine if you have liver disease. Women and children should not use this medicine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Long Acting Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • It is best to take this medicine with food or milk. It is best to take this medicine right after the same meal every day.
  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using cimetidine (Tagamet®), diltiazem (Cardizem®), medicines for high blood pressure (such as atenolol, doxazosin, terazosin, Cardura®, Hytrin®, Tenormin®), or antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, Biaxin®, Ery-Tab®). Tell your doctor if you are also using medicines for depression (such as amitriptyline, fluoxetine, nortriptyline, Elavil®, Pamelor®, Prozac®) or medicines to treat mental illness (such as haloperidol, prochlorperazine, thioridazine, ziprasidone, Compazine®, Geodon®, Haldol®, Mellaril®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart rhythm problems, severe chest pain (angina), prostate cancer, or low blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you have a family history of a heart condition called congenital QT prolongation.
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension) may occur while taking this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have the following symptoms: blurred vision; confusion; severe dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly; sweating; or unusual tiredness or weakness.
  • This medicine may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
  • Before you have eye surgery for a cataract (clouding of the eye), tell the ophthalmologist (eye doctor) that you are taking this medicine.
  • Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Chest pain.
  • Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
  • Fever, cough, or sore throat.
  • Painful, prolonged erection of your penis.
  • Severe dizziness or lightheadedness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Headache.
  • Trouble having sex.
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