ALFUZOSIN (Systemic)

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.?

• Uroxatral;

In Canada?

• Xatral

Category

• Benign prostatic hyperplasiatherapy agent

Description

Alfuzosin((al-FYOO-zoe-sin))is used to treat the signs and symptoms of benign enlargement of the prostate(benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). Benign enlargement of the prostateis a problem that can occur in men as they get older. The prostate gland islocated below the bladder. As the prostate gland enlarges, certain musclesin the gland may become tight and get in the way of the tube that drains urinefrom the bladder. This can cause problems in urinating, such as a need tourinate often, a weak stream when urinating, or a feeling of not being ableto empty the bladder completely. Alfuzosin helps relax the muscles in theprostate and the opening of the bladder. This may help increase the flow ofurine and/or decrease the symptoms.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in thefollowing dosage forms:

Oral
• Tablets (U.S. and Canada)

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine,the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it willdo. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For alfuzosin, the followingshould be considered:

Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusualor allergic reaction to alfuzosin. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist ifyou are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, ordyes.

Other medicines?Although certain medicines should not be usedtogether at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used togethereven if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want tochange the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are takingalfuzosin, it is especially important that your doctor and pharmacist knowif you are taking any of the following:

• Alpha blockers (medicine for high blood pressure)? This medicineshould not be used at the same time as alfuzosin.

• Atenolol (e.g., Tenormin) ? Using this medicine at the sametime as alfuzosin can cause very low blood pressure and a slower heart beat.

• Cimetidine (e.g., Tagamet) ? Using this medicine at the sametime as alfuzosin can cause there to be more alfuzosin in your body.

• Diltiazem (e.g., Cardizem) ? Using this medicine at the sametime as alfuzosin can cause very low blood pressure.

• Itraconazole (e.g., Sporanox) or
• Ketoconazole (e.g., Nizoral) or
• Ritonavir (e.g., Norvir) ? These medicines may cause thereto be more alfuzosin in your body and they should not be used at the sametime as alfuzosin.

Other medical problems?The presence of other medicalproblems may affect the use of alfuzosin. Make sure you tell your doctor ifyou have any other medical problems, especially:

• Prostatic carcinoma (cancer of the prostate) ? This medicalcondition may have the same symptoms as your medical condition. Your doctorwill want to know because different treatment is need for prostatic carcinoma.

• Liver disease, moderate or severe? Patients with this conditionshould not use alfuzosin.

Proper Use of This Medicine

This medicineshould be taken with food and with the same meal every day.

It is very important to not chew or crush the tablets.

Dosing?The dose of alfuzosin will be different fordifferent patients. Follow your doctor's orders or thedirections on the label. The following information includes only theaverage doses of alfuzosin. If your dose is different,do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • • Adults?10 milligrams (mg) once a day taken after the samemeal each day, tablets should be swallowed whole. Not for use in women.
    • Children?Not for use in children

Missed dose?If you miss a dose of this medicine, take itas soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skipthe missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not doubledoses.

Storage?To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in otherdamp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask yourhealth care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do notuse. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

Thismedicine may cause some people to become drowsy, dizzy, or less alert thanthey are normally. Make sure you know how you react tothis medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that couldbe dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicinemay cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects mayoccur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctorimmediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Chest pain; fast, pounding, or irregularheartbeat or pulse; painful or prolonged erectionof the penis

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medicalattention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjuststo the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following sideeffects continue or are bothersome.

More Common

Dizziness

Less common

Abdominal pain; acid or sour stomach; belching; body aches orpain; chills; congestion; cough; cough producingmucus; decreased interest in sexual intercourse; difficulty breathing; difficulty havinga bowel movement (stool); dryness or soreness ofthroat; ear congestion; fever; headache; heartburn; hoarseness; inabilityto have or keep an erection; indigestion; loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance; loss of voice; nasal congestion; nausea; pain; pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones; runnynose; shortness of breath; sneezing; sore throat; stomach discomfort, upset, or pain; stuffy or runnynose; tender, swollen glands in neck; tightness in chest; trouble in swallowing; unusual tiredness or weakness; wheezing; voice changes

Rare

Other side effects notlisted above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects,check with your doctor.