Generic name: alfuzosin [ al-FUE-zoe-sin ]
Brand name: Uroxatral
Dosage form: oral tablet, extended release (10 mg)
Drug class: Alpha blockers

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 17, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is alfuzosin?

Alfuzosin is an alpha-adrenergic (AL-fa ad-ren-ER-Jk) blocker that is used to improve urination in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).

Alfuzosin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Alfuzosin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Alfuzosin may cause serious side effects. 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 side effects of alfuzosin 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.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

You should not take alfuzosin 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.

Alfuzosin 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 feel light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take alfuzosin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• moderate to severe liver disease.

Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with alfuzosin. 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).

Alfuzosin can affect your pupils. If you have cataract surgery, tell your surgeon ahead of time that you use alfuzosin.

Alfuzosin is not for use in women, and the effects of this medicine during pregnancy or in breastfeeding women are unknown.

Alfuzosin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take alfuzosin?

Your doctor may test your prostate specific antigen (PSA) to check for prostate cancer before you take alfuzosin.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take alfuzosin 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.

Alfuzosin 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 should I avoid while taking alfuzosin?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how alfuzosin will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

What other drugs will affect alfuzosin?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can increase your risk of very low blood pressure while taking alfuzosin, 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 affect 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.

Further information

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.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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