Introduction
Alfuzosin is a medication used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), such as difficulty urinating, nocturia and prostate enlargement. It belongs to a class of drugs called alpha1-blockers, which are used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain (angina) and other heart conditions.
Why Alfuzosin medication prescribed?
Alfuzosin is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate. It works by relaxing the muscles in the bladder neck and prostate, which helps to improve urine flow and reduce symptoms of BPH.
Alfuzosin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking alfuzosin? Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- have heart disease or high blood pressure
- have liver problems such as cirrhosis
Are there any interactions I should be aware of when taking alfuzosin? You may be more likely to develop a serious side effect if you take other drugs at the same time that can interact with alfuzosin, such as:
- Itraconazole – This medication treats fungal infections caused by Candida species (yeast infections). Itraconazole increases how much alfuzosin is absorbed into your bloodstream.* Ketoconazole – Ketoconazole is used together with other medications to treat many types of fungal infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot.* Sildenafil – Levitra helps men who have erectile dysfunction caused by physical events such as injury or surgery.* Viagra helps men who have erectile dysfunction caused by physical events such as injury or surgery.* Other factors that may increase your risk for side effects include obesity and older age
Alfuzosin Usage
Alfuzosin is usually taken twice a day, either with or without food. It can be taken with or without water. If you miss a dose of alfuzosin, take it as soon as you remember, then take your next dose at the regular time you usually take it every day.
Alfuzosin may affect the way other drugs work and other drugs may affect how alfuzosin works. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking now, including nonprescription products (e.g., vitamins).
Alfuzosin Interactions
- Alfuzosin may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. This includes medicines you receive by mail order or the Internet.
- Medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness include:
- Alcohol, sedatives (such as sleeping pills), narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine), tranquilizers (such as Valium), some antidepressants, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine/Benadryl®, decongestants like pseudoephedrine/Dextrostat®/Advil PM™/NyQuil™#ENDWRITE
Side Effects
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur. These symptoms can be serious and require immediate medical attention if they persist or worsen. You should stop taking alfuzosin and contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms. If you continue to have these side effects, consult your physician about stopping the medication before it becomes too late to recover fully from them (for example, if they occur while driving). Do not take additional doses of alfuzosin once you’ve completed a full course of treatment unless otherwise directed by your physician because it could lead to serious side effects such as heart attack or stroke.
- Diarrhea (unusually loose stools) may also occur while taking this medication; however, this is not uncommon among people who take other medications regularly such as antibiotics or antacid tablets (such as Maalox®).
Alfuzosin Dosage
The recommended dose of alfuzosin is 10 mg once a day. The maximum daily dose is 10 mg, and the maximum daily dose may be increased to 20 mg, if needed.
To minimize the risk of adverse effects associated with high-dose alfuzosin therapy:
- Do not increase your dose above what is recommended by your doctor or pharmacist;
- Take this medication only as directed by your doctor or pharmacist;
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