Drug Name

Uroxatral (Alfuzosin)

Drug Uses

Uroxatral is used for treating symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. It may also be used for certain conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Uroxatral as directed by your doctor.

• Take Uroxatral by mouth with food. Take with the same meal every day.
• Swallow Uroxatral whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
• Taking Uroxatral at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
• Take Uroxatral on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Uroxatral.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Uroxatral is an alpha-blocker. It works by blocking receptors in the lower urinary tract, causing smooth muscles in the bladder neck and prostate to relax. This relaxation improves urine flow and reduces the symptoms of BPH.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Uroxatral, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Uroxatral at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Uroxatral out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Uroxatral if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Uroxatral;
• you have moderate to severe liver disease;
• you are taking an alpha-blocker (e.g., prazosin), an azole antifungal (e.g., ketoconazole), or an HIV protease inhibitor (eg, ritonavir).

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important :

• Uroxatral may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Uroxatral with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Uroxatral may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Avoid situations in which injury could occur due to fainting.
• Stop using Uroxatral and contact your health care provider if chest pain occurs or worsens.
• Uroxatral should not be used in chilfren; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Uroxatral while you are pregnant. It is not known if Uroxatral is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Uroxatral , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• dizziness; drowsiness; headache; stuffy nose.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); back pain; chest pain; decreased sexual ability; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; joint pain; painful, prolonged erection; severe or persistent dizziness; stomach or abdominal pain; unusual fatigue or weakness.

More Information

Uroxatral is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.