Alfuzosin (al-FUE-zoe-sin)

Treats problems with urination caused by an enlarged prostate (also called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). This medicine is an alpha-blocker.

Brand Name(s):

Uroxatral

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Long Acting Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk. Take the medicine right after the same meal every day.
• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use alfuzosin if you are taking itraconazole, ketoconazole, or ritonavir.
• Some medicines can affect how alfuzosin works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
  • Cimetidine, diltiazem
  • Blood pressure medicine
  • Medicine to treat erectile dysfunction
  • Nitrate medicine
  • Other alpha-blockers

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine is not for use in women.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, chest pain (angina), low blood pressure, or heart rhythm problems (including QT prolongation).
• This medicine may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Get up slowly from a sitting or lying position. If you feel dizzy, lie down so you do not faint. Then sit for a few moments before you stand up.
• Tell your eye doctor (ophthalmologist) that you have used or are using this medicine before cataract surgery or any other eye procedure. This medicine may cause a serious eye problem called Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS).
• Call your doctor right away if you have a prolonged erection while you are using this medicine. It must be treated right away to prevent permanent impotence.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain, discomfort, tightness or heaviness, troubled breathing
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Pain in your arm, back, or jaw
• Painful, prolonged erection of your penis

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088