Uroxatral

Generic name: Alfuzosin

Drug class: Alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonists

Dosage forms: Extended-release tablet

Root of administration: Oral

Dose: 10 mg

Mechanism of action: Uroxatral is an alpha-adrenergic (AL-fa ad-ren-ER-Jk) blocker. Uroxatral helps relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.

Drug usage cases: Uroxatral is used to improve urination in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).

Drug contra indications: You should not take Uroxatral if you are allergic to alfuzosin, or if you have:

moderate to severe liver disease. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with Uroxatral. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use:

an antibiotic; antifungal medicine; heart medication; antiviral medicine to treat hepatitis C or HIV/AIDS; or medicines similar to alfuzosin (doxazosin, prazosin, silodosin, tamsulosin, or terazosin). Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

low blood pressure, especially if caused by taking medications; liver disease; kidney disease; prostate cancer; or long QT syndrome (in you or a family member). Uroxatral can affect your pupils. If you have cataract surgery, tell your surgeon ahead of time that you use this medicine. Uroxatral is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Side effects: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Uroxatral: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have:

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; new or worsening chest pain; upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.

Warnings: You should not take Uroxatral if you have moderate to severe liver disease. Many drugs can affect alfuzosin, and some should not be used at the same time. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Uroxatral lowers blood pressure and may cause dizziness or fainting, especially if you take heart or blood pressure medications. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how alfuzosin will affect you. Call your doctor at once if you have a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out. Uroxatral can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Tell your eye surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medication. Do not stop using this medicine before surgery unless your surgeon tells you to. There are many other drugs that can interact with alfuzosin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Alfuzosin is not for use in women, and the effects of this medicine during pregnancy or in breastfeeding women are unknown.