Alfuzosin is used to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland in men. This enlargement of the prostate gland is called Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH).
The enlarged prostate gland may cause problems when you pass urine. This medicine helps relax the muscle in the prostate which allows urine to pass more easily.
Alfuzosin is also used together with a catheter to treat problems in urination caused by BPH.
Take Alfuzosin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine is available as a conventional tablet or extended-release tablet.
If you are taking the conventional tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you are taking the extended-release tablet, swallow it whole. Do not open, chew or crush the tablet.
Alfuzosin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of orthostatic hypotension (fall in blood pressure when standing up from a sitting or lying down position)
- severe liver disease
- severe kidney disease
as Alfuzosin may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Alfuzosin with medicines used to treat fungal and bacterial infections, HIV, depression, and other medicines for enlargement of the prostate. Please see the section “Can I take this with other medicines?” below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart problem
- circulatory problem or low blood flow affecting the brain
- hereditary problems with the way your heart beats
- mild to moderate liver disease
This medicine is not indicated for use in women and children.
If you are going to have an eye operation, particularly cataract surgery, inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Alfuzosin is not intended for the treatment of high blood pressure.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. prostate-specific antigen) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring of urine flow may also be needed.
Alfuzosin may cause dizziness or weakness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
You may experience dizziness when getting up from a sitting or lying down position, especially if you are taking Alfuzosin for the first time. This is common and should disappear gradually as you get used to this medicine. It will help if you get up slowly from a sitting or lying position. If you are taking this medicine for the very first time, take the first dose of Alfuzosin at bedtime to minimise dizziness.
Other side effects may include any of the following: headache, diarrhoea, dry mouth, nausea, abdominal pain, indigestion, rash, itching, dizziness with sensations of spinning, and sudden reddening of the skin.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- prolonged and painful penile erection
- chest pain, fast and irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Alfuzosin with the following medicines:
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, telithromycin
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, nelfinavir
- nefazodone (medicine for depression)
- other medicines for BPH e.g. tamsulosin
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for high blood pressure
- medicines for heart disease e.g. nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, sildenafil, tadalafil
- medicines to block pain and sensation
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Alfuzosin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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