Alfuzosin Extended Release tablet
What is this medicine?
ALFUZOSIN is used to treat enlargement of the prostate gland in men (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). It is not for use in females. Alfuzosin works by relaxing muscles in the prostate and bladder neck at the site of the obstruction. This improves urine flow and reduces BPH symptoms
What should my health care professional know before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
- chest pain (angina)
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- low blood pressure
- prostate cancer
- an unusual or allergic reaction to alfuzosin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
How should I take this medicine?
Take alfuzosin tablets by mouth with food and with the same meal each day. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water; do not crush, cut or chew the tablets. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
- cimetidine
- drugs used to treat fungal or yeast infections (examples: fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
- drugs used to treat HIV infection (examples: ritonavir, saquinavir)
- fluoxetine
- fluvoxamine
- grapefruit juice
- hawthorn
- imatinib
- medicines for chest pain or high blood pressure
- nefazodone
- sildenafil citrate (doses of sildenafil citrate higher than 25 mg should be taken at least 4 hours apart from taking alfuzosin)
- tadalafil
- vardenafil
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking this medicine?
You must see your physician regularly for checkups while taking alfuzosin. Follow your physician's advice about when to have these checkups.
You may feel drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how alfuzosin affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly. If you begin to feel dizzy, sit down until you feel better. Avoid alcoholic drinks; they can make you more drowsy, increase flushing, and cause rapid heartbeats. Take alfuzosin at bedtime to lessen the effects of drowsiness and dizziness, but be careful if you have to get up during the night. Drowsiness and dizziness are more likely to occur after the first dose, after an increase in dose, or during hot weather or exercise. These effects can decrease once your body adjusts to this medicine.
Although extremely rare in men taking alfuzosin, contact you health care provider immediately if you experience persistent painful penile erection unrelated to sexual activity (priapism). If not brought to immediate medical attention, priapism can lead to permanent erectile dysfunction (impotence).
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking alfuzosin.
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
- painful erections or other sexual problems
- skin rash
- swelling of ankles or legs
- yellowing of skin or eyes
- fainting spells
- visual problems
- weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- constipation or diarrhea
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- fatigue
- headache
- insomnia
- itching
- nausea or upset stomach
This list may not describe all possible side effects.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
