Alfuzosin Tablet: Uses, Side effects & Dosage Guide
PACE Hospitals
Manufactured by - Cipla Limited
Alfuzosin Composition - Alfuzosin Hydrochloride -10 Mg, 10’s (10 tablets per strip)
Overview
- Alfuzosin belongs to the group of medicines called alpha-blockers. It is an alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist authorised for use in the US to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy but is not used to treat hypertension. Alfuzosin inhibits Alpha-1B adrenergic receptors found on the smooth muscle in arterioles and alpha-1a adrenergic receptors in the neck and prostate of the bladder. Men with partial obstruction from benign prostatic hypertrophy see an improvement in urine flow as a result of the agent's actions on the smooth muscles of the bladder and prostate.
- Alfuzosin 10 Mg is used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy symptoms. Prostate gland enlargement from cell proliferation is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Most occur in older men have benign prostatic hypertrophy or hyperplasia. Alfuzosin is a drug that blocks alpha-one receptors in the bladder, urethra (urine pipe), and prostate gland. Alfuzosin decreases urethral constriction by relaxing the muscles of the prostate and bladder. Consequently, it facilitates urine passage and lessens the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
- It helps to relieve blocked urination caused by prostate enlargement by relaxing the associated muscles. Because of its blood pressure-lowering property, it may cause fainting & headache. It is only available in the form of prolonged-release tablets.
- In 2003, alfuzosin received approval for use in the US to treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy-related urinary hesitancy. It is not authorised for use in treating hypertension. 10 milligrams extended-release pills of alfuzosin are available.
Alfuzosin Uses
- Tablet Alfuzosin 10 Mg is used in men to treat symptoms of enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), which include painful urination, frequent and urgent urination, and trouble urinating (hesitation, dribbling, weak stream, and incomplete bladder emptying).
- Alfuzosin is an alpha-blocker drug that work by relaxes the muscle in the prostate and bladder to allow urine to flow more easily. It is also used to treat kidney stones.
Guidelines to follow while taking the Alfuzosin
- Swallow the tablet with glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablet
- Tablet Alfuzosin is usually taken once a day, immediately after a meal. Alfuzosin should be taken right before bed. If the tablet is taken the first time, take it directly by the physician.
- Every day, try to take tablets at the same time. Alfuzosin must be taken regular for it to be effective.
- Continue taking it even when there are signs of improvement. Do not stop taking Alfuzosin unless instructed by the physician.
Alfuzosin Mechanism of Action
- In patients with BPH, the activation of alpha 1-adrenoreceptors in the prostate, bladder base, bladder neck, prostatic capsule, and prostatic urethra may result in smooth muscle contraction and urine symptoms.
- Alfuzosin primarily binds to lower urinary tract alpha 1-adrenergic receptors and inhibits.
- Urine flow improves and urinary symptoms decrease as a result of the smooth muscle in the neck of the bladder and the prostate relaxing.
Alfuzosin Side Effects
The following side effects may or may not occur while using the Alfuzosin tablet. It is usually well tolerated when taken in the prescribed dosage. The side effects of Alfuzosin tablet are usually mild and may include:
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Dizziness (Feeling faint)
- Abdominal pain (Stomach pain)
- Headache
- Nausea (vomiting sensation)
NOTE: if any of the above symptoms are noticed, it is recommended to contact the concerned doctor immediately
Alfuzosin Dosage
Alfuzosin 10 Mg tablet is available in a dosage prescribed by general physicians based on the patient's age, weight, and disease symptoms.
- Alfuzosin dosage for adults: Alfuzosin 10 Mg dosage is prescribed usually with the standard dose strength of 10 mg, Once daily.
- Alfuzosin pediatric dose: The usage of Alfuzosin 10mg tablet in children and adolescents (those under the age of 18) is not generally advised. It is recommended to consult paediatrician before taking Alfusozin to children.
- Alfuzosin in pregnancy: As this drug is indicated for men to manage symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, Alfuzosin tablet is usually not recommended in women.
- Alfuzosin in Lactating Women: Alfuzosin tablet is usually not recommended in women. as this drug is indicated for men to manage symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
- Alfuzosin dose for geriatrics: Alfuzosin should be used with caution in elder patients above 65 years of age. Consult the physician before taking the Alfuzosin 10 Mg tablet.
Alfuzosin Interactions
A drug interaction is a reaction between two or more drug, whereas it is called a food interaction if the interaction is between the food and the drug. In case of an interaction between a medical illness and a drug, it would be called a disease-drug interaction.
Alfuzosin drug interactions
It is important to inform the doctor about the drugs if any of the below classes are being used by the patient along with Alfuzosin:
- Alpha-blockers (Hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia) Ex. doxazosin, indoramin, prazosin, terazosin, tamsulosin, phenoxybenzamine
- Antihypertensives (High blood pressure) Ex. captopril, ramipril
- Nitrates such as nitroglycerin (chest pain (angina))
- Ketoconazole, itraconazole (fungal infections)
- Ritonavir drug (HIV infection)
- Bacterial infections (Ex. clarithromycin, telithromycin)
- Depression (Ex. nefazodone)
- General anesthetics such as propofol (unconsciousness during surgery)
Alfuzosin food interactions
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Alfuzosin tablet as this may cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a condition in which blood pressure drops when one stands up from sitting or lying position.
Alfuzosin disease interactions
In patient with moderate to severe hepatic impairment. A person is contraindicated from taking Alfuzosin drug, if the patient is suffering from any of the below disease conditions:
- Hepatic impairment
- QT Prologation
- Renal impairment
- Hypotension
- Cataracts
Alfuzosin Storage
Store the drug in a safe place and out of reach of children. Keep at room temperature below 25ºC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Alfuzosin
Is Alfuzosin Safe?
Alfuzosin is safe when used as directed. Nevertheless, as with all drugs, there are some dangers and adverse effects. Alfuzosin is an alpha-blocker that is prescribed mainly to treat the symptom of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and condition in which the prostate gland enlarge. To facilitate urination, alfuzosin relaxes the muscles in the neck of the bladder and prostate.
What are the side effects of Alfuzosin?
Common side effects of Alfuzosin are dizziness, headache, feeling tired or weak, and change in sex ability. This most often goes back to normal.
How long does it take for Alfuzosin to work?
Alfuzosin work by relaxes the muscles in the prostate , bladder neck and that helps urinary symptoms like difficulty starting urination, weak stream, and frequent urination. It usually starts to improve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) within a few days to a week of starting the medication, though the full benefit may not be felt for up to two to four weeks.
Why take Alfuzosin at night?
Alfuzosin is an alpha-blocker drug that relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), including trouble urinating. It is usually advised to take it at night.
Does Alfuzosin raise blood sugar?
Alfuzosin is not commonly associated with raising blood sugar levels. It works by blocking alpha-1 receptor in the smooth muscle of the prostate and bladder helps relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Alfuzosin does not typically or well-documented raise blood sugar, it can have adverse effects like many other drugs, and individual responses to pharmaceuticals can differ. It's critical to monitor your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes or are worried about them.
You should also talk to your healthcare professional about any possible issues. They can assist in determining whether alfuzosin might interact with other medications you may be taking or your condition.
If your blood sugar levels fluctuate abnormally or you suffer from symptoms like exhaustion, excessive thirst, or frequent urination.
Can you take Alfuzosin and Tamsulosin together?
Both alfuzosin and tamsulosin are alpha-blockers that relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder to facilitate urination. It is typically not advised to take them together without a doctor's supervision. Side effects include low blood pressure (hypotension), lightheadedness, and fainting.
What is the drug Alfuzosin used for?
Alfuzosin tablet relaxes muscles around the urinary bladder and helps manage symptoms such as increased urinary frequency, unusual urine colour or smell, urinary urgency, interrupted urine stream, and pain after urination.
What is the best time to take Alfuzosin?
Alfuzosin is generally taken at bedtime with food to avoid injury. It can causes side effects such as fainting and dizziness. Consult a physician before using the medication.
Can I consume alcohol with Alfuzosin?
Patients who consume alcohol should avoid intake of alcohol. It may cause an increased sense that the patient's surroundings are spinning, temporary loss of consciousness, and lightheadedness, using ethanol (alcohol) with alfuzosin can lower blood pressure, and it can cause dizziness unusually when getting up from a sitting or lying position.
Is Alfuzosin an anticholinergic?
No, it's not an anticholinergic. Alfuzosin is an alpha-blocker. However, this drug is adrenergic and causes urethra relaxation to aid urination and bladder emptying. Any anticholinergic drug cannot cause urethral relaxation.
Does Alfuzosin shrink the prostate?
Alfuzosin does not shrink the prostate. Alfuzosin belongs to the alpha-blocker class of drugs. It works by relaxes muscles in the bladder and prostate, allowing urine to flow freely.
This may help increase the flow of urine or decrease the symptom. However, This may cause the symptom become worse over time. Therefore, even though alfuzosin may lessen the problem caused by enlarge prostate.
Can Alfuzosin cause Erectile dysfuction?
No, Alfuzosin does not cause erectile dysfunction. On the contrary, Alfuzosin may help in improving such conditions. However, this drug may cause painful erection (priapism) that does not go away. If priapism is not treated, you may not be able to get an erection in the future.
When should I take Alfuzosin?
Alfuzosin should be taken after meals at the same time every day. Do not chew or cush the tablet swallow the tablet with a glass of water. doctor will decide the dose and duration based on the patient’s age, weight, and disease symptoms.
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