Alfuzosin

What is Alfuzosin for?

Alfuzosin  belongs to a group of medications known as alpha-1 blockers. It is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition where the prostate gland is enlarged due to a non-cancerous growth and this is caused by overproduction of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone. The prostate is close to the bladder, therefore enlargement of the prostate gland can affect the flow of urine. This leads to urinary symptoms such as a weak or interrupted urine flow, frequent or urgent need to urinate. The medication works by relaxing the muscles of the prostate gland and bladder exit to help relieve these symptoms.

This medication may also be used for other conditions. Check with your healthcare professional if you are unsure why you are given this medication.

You can also find out about this medication by watching these videos: 
They are available in English, 中文, Melayu and தமிழ்:  Alfuzosin

How should I take or use Alfuzosin?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• This medication should be taken after food
• Do not crush or chew the tablet as this can affect the release of medication into your body.
• The first tablet of a new dose should be taken at bedtime, and subsequently at the same time each day.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Alfuzosin?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Alfuzosin?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You have heart problems
• You ever feel dizzy or faint when you stand up, or if you have ever fainted after passing urine
• You are undergoing cataract (cloudiness of the lens) eye surgery. Inform your eye specialist before the operation that you are taking or have previously taken the medication. The pupil may dilate poorly and the iris (the coloured part of the eye) may become floppy during the operation. It is important for the eye specialist to be aware of this as the operation may need to be carried out differently.
• You are taking medications belonging to PDE-5 Inhibitors class such as Sildenafil, Tadalafil or Vardenafil, for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, a condition where you are unable to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. You may experience dizziness or light-headedness, which may be caused by low blood pressure upon standing up quickly from a lying or sitting position. In order to reduce the likelihood that these symptoms occur, you should be on a regular daily dose of your alpha1-blocker medications (such as Tamsulosin, Alfuzosin, Terazosin) before you start medications for erectile dysfunction.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Alfuzosin?

Avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase the risk of dizziness, light-headedness or drowsiness.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking or intend to take any other medication, supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies.

What are some common side effects of Alfuzosin?

• Dizziness, light-headedness or fainting
  • When taking the medication for the first time, restarting treatment, or starting to take a higher dose, these side effects may occur. They may also occur when you are standing up quickly from a lying or sitting position. If you are affected by this, you should lie down until you feel better then sit for a few minutes before standing again to prevent these effects returning. These side effects usually go away and should not return once you have become used to taking your medication.
• Drowsiness
  • May affect your ability to drive and use machinery. Make sure your reactions are normal before you drive or do things require you to be alert.

What are some rare but serious side effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:
They are available in English, 中文, Melayu and தமிழ்: Drug Allergies

How should I store Alfuzosin?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away Alfuzosin safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.