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Alfuzosin Extended-Release Tablets

Alfuzosin is a medication that comes in the form of an extended-release tablet. It treats benign prostatic hyperplasia and symptoms of an enlarged prostate. The prostate is a gland below your bladder and in front of your rectum. Alfuzosin relaxes your bladder and prostate muscles. This makes it easier for you to pee.

What is this medication?

ALFUZOSIN (al FYOO zoe sin) treats the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia). It works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder, which makes it easier to urinate. It belongs to a group of medications called alpha blockers.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Uroxatral

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Low blood pressure
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to alfuzosin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Take this medication with food at the same meal every day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow tablets whole. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. It is not approved for use in children.

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 medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Adagrasib
  • Another alpha blocker medication, such as doxazosin, prazosin, silodosin, tamsulosin, terazosin
  • Certain medications for fungal infections, such as fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
  • Cisapride
  • Dronedarone
  • Droperidol
  • Pimozide
  • Ritonavir
  • Thioridazine

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This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Avanafil
  • Certain medications for chest pain or blood pressure
  • Cimetidine
  • Dofetilide
  • Grapefruit juice
  • Other medications that cause heart rhythm changes
  • Sildenafil
  • Tadalafil
  • Vardenafil
  • Ziprasidone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Check your blood pressure as directed. Know what your blood pressure should be and when to contact your care team.

Drowsiness and dizziness are more likely to occur after the first dose, after an increase in dose, during hot weather, or exercise. These effects can decrease once your body adjusts to this medication. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand up slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

Contact your care team right away if you have an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours or if it becomes painful. This may be a sign of a serious problem and must be treated right away to prevent permanent damage.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Chest pain (angina)—pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest, neck, back, or arms
  • Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
  • Prolonged or painful erection

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Change in sex drive or performance
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Runny or stuffy nose

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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