Alfuzosin is used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy.
What is Alfuzosin?
Alfuzosin is an alpha-blocker medication. It works by blocking receptors in the lower urinary tract and relaxing the muscles in the bladder neck and prostate. This in turn improves the flow of urine.
How should Alfuzosin be taken?
Alfuzosin is administered orally on a full stomach.
Side effects associated with Alfuzosin
Alfuzosin can cause prolonged and painful erections.
Among the other possible side effects of Alfuzosin include the following:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Stomach ache
- Stuffy or runny nose
You should contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Difficulty breathing
- Pain or tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- Back ache
- Chest pain
- Dark urine
- Sexual problems
- Fainting
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Persistent fever, chills or sore throat
- Joint pain
- Prolonged and painful erection
- Pale stools
- Severe or persistent dizziness
- Severe or persistent stomach pain
- Excessive fatigue or weakness
- Jaundice
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Alfuzosin
Alfuzosin should not be taken in case of liver problems. It is also necessary to avoid its intake in case of treatment with other alpha-blockers such as with azole antifungals, HIV protease inhibitors, macrolide antibiotics, nefazodone or telithromycin.
Alfuzosin can compromise the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery, especially when it is taken with alcohol or other drugs. In addition, the dizziness associated with its intake can be aggravated by high temperatures, strenuous physical activity and fever.
Before starting treatment with Alfuzosin, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or any other drugs or food
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: other alpha-blockers, blood pressure drugs, amiodarone, beta-blockers, anti-HIV drugs, macrolide antibiotics, nefazodone, nitrates, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and telithromycin
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from low blood pressure, liver or kidney problems, prostate disorders, tumors, chest pain (or you have a family history of cardiovascular problems),dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting (mainly after taking medications)
- You are planning on undergoing eye surgery
It is also important to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with Alfuzosin.
