What is alfuzosin?
Alfuzosin is in a group of drugs called alpha-adrenergic (AL-fa ad-ren-ER-jik) blockers. Alfuzosin relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.
Alfuzosin is used to improve urination in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).
Alfuzosin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about alfuzosin?
You should not use alfuzosin if you are allergic to it, if you have severe liver disease, or if you are also using ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), or ritonavir (Norvir). Do not take alfuzosin with other similar medicines such as doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), silodosin (Rapaflo), tamsulosin (Flomax), or terazosin (Hytrin).
Alfuzosin may cause dizziness or fainting. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid standing for long periods of time or becoming overheated during exercise and in hot weather. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.
Alfuzosin can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Tell your eye surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medication. Do not stop using alfuzosin 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.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking alfuzosin?
You should not use alfuzosin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
severe liver disease;
if you are also taking similar medicines such as doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), silodosin (Rapaflo), tamsulosin (Flomax), or terazosin (Hytrin); or
if you are also using ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), or ritonavir (Norvir).
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need an alfuzosin dose adjustment or special tests:
prostate cancer;
liver disease;
kidney disease;
a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome;
angina (chest pain);
coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);
a history of low blood pressure (even when caused by taking medications); or
if you are taking certain medicines to treat HIV or AIDS.
Alfuzosin can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Tell your eye surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medication. Do not stop using alfuzosin before surgery unless your surgeon tells you to.
Although this medication is not for use in women, alfuzosin is not expected to harm an unborn baby. If you are a woman using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Alfuzosin is not for use in children.