Alfuzosin (By mouth)

Introduction

Alfuzosin (al-FUE-zoe-sin)

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

Brand Name(s)

Uroxatral

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease, liver disease, severe chest pain (angina), or low blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you have a family history of a heart condition called congenital QT prolongation.
• 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.
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur after you take this medicine, especially when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help. If you feel dizzy, lie down so you do not faint. Then sit for a few moments before standing to keep the dizziness from returning.
• Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have arm, back or jaw pain; chest pain or discomfort; chest tightness or heaviness; fast or irregular heartbeat; nausea; shortness of breath; or sweating.
• This medicine may affect the results of the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, which may be used to detect prostate cancer. Make sure you tell all of your doctors that you are using this medicine.
• Before you have eye surgery for a cataract (clouding of the eye), tell your eye doctor (ophthalmologist) that you are taking or have taken this medicine in the past months. A serious eye problem called Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS) has occurred in some patients who were taking this medicine or who had recently taken this medicine when they had cataract surgery.
• You should seek medical attention right away if you experience a prolonged erection while using this medicine. This is an extremely rare unwanted effect that must be treated right away to prevent permanent erectile damage (impotence).
• 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, chills, cough, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and body aches.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Painful, prolonged erection of your penis.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.

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

• Headache.
• Trouble having sex.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

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.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

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 outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• 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®, or Tenormin®), nitrate medicines (such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide, Imdur®, Nitro-Bid®, Nitrostat®, Nitro-Dur®, Transderm Nitro®, Nitrol® Ointment, or Nitrolingual® Spray), or antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, Biaxin®, or Ery-Tab®). Tell your doctor if you are also using medicines for depression (such as amitriptyline, fluoxetine, nortriptyline, Elavil®, Pamelor®, or Prozac®), medicines for erectile dysfunction (such as sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, Cialis®, Levitra®, or Viagra®), or medicines to treat mental illness (such as haloperidol, prochlorperazine, thioridazine, ziprasidone, Compazine®, Geodon®, Haldol®, or Mellaril®).