Uroxatral (Yoor-AHKS-e-trel)
Uroxatral (alfuzosin [al-FYOO-zoe-sin]) is an alpha-adrenergic blocker (alpha blocker) that relaxes prostate and bladder-related muscles to improve problems related to urination and urine flow. It helps with painful urination, urinary frequency, and urinary urgency.
Uroxatral Warnings
Uroxatral and other alpha blockers may cause postural hypotension (dizziness) within a few hours of use.
Avoid situations where injury may occur in cases of fainting.
You may be at an elevated risk of dizziness and fainting if taking Uroxatral simultaneously with anti-hypertensive medication or nitrates.
Be especially careful if you have experienced hypotension with other medications previously.
This medication should be used cautiously in patients with severe renal impairment.
Do not use this medication simultaneously with other alpha blockers.
Use caution when taking this medication or other alpha blockers while also using PDE5 inhibitors. Both have the ability to lower blood pressure. Use of both types of medication simultaneously may cause symptomatic hypotension.
Uroxatral interacts with CYP3A4 inhibitors; alfuzosin blood levels are elevated.
Prostate carcinoma and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate, often exist at the same time and cause many similar symptoms. Cancer should be ruled out before taking this medication.
Before cataract surgery, inform your physician if you’ve ever taken an alpha blocker such as Uroxatral, as there is a risk for intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS).
Stop taking this medication if you experience persistent chest pain.
Use this medication cautiously if you have QT prolongation.
Why Is Uroxatral Prescribed for Prostatitis?
Uroxatral and other alpha blockers are used in patients with bacterial prostatitis or chronic nonbacterial prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) who have urinary symptoms. Alpha blockers may provide relief from frequent urination, urinary urgency, and weak stream. It can help relieves pain and discomfort for CPPS sufferers. Uroxatral controls symptoms of prostatitis but does not cure it.
How Should Uroxatral Be Used?
Before taking this medication, read the patient information provided with this prescription from your pharmacist. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.
Take Uroxatral one time each day orally after the same meal, or follow your physician’s instructions.
It is best to take this medication with food, as taking Uroxatral on an empty stomach may lessen the drug’s ability to be absorbed, reducing its effectiveness.
Do not crush or chew this medication. If you crush or chew these extended-release tablets, the drug is released all at once. This increases the risk of side effects. Do not split the tablets unless they are scored and your physician informs you to do so. Swallow this medication whole.
To avoid injury as a result of feeling dizzy while taking this medication, first take this medication with food at bedtime until you adjust to its effects. When your physician changes the dose at anytime, take the medication with food at bedtime.
This medication is most effective if you use it regularly and take it after the same meal daily.
Discuss with your physician if your condition continues or worsens.
Other Uses for Uroxatral
Uroxatral is used in men with an enlarged prostate to improve urination. This medication relaxes prostate and bladder-related muscles to help with the flow of urine and to relieve symptoms of BPH.
Do I Need to Follow Special Precautions?
Before taking this medication, patients should be evaluated to rule out prostate cancer.
Inform your physician if you are allergic to Uroxatral or any other alpha blockers before you take it. Inactive ingredients in this medication may cause an allergic reaction.
Inform your physician if you have liver problems before taking this medication. Uroxatral should not be taken if the patient has certain medical issues.
Provide a medical history to your physician before taking this, especially with regard to:
- Prostate cancer or other prostate gland issues
- Low blood pressure, chest pain, or other issues related to the heart
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Heart disease
- Irregular heartbeat
- A family history of heart problems
This medication may cause QT prolongation, a condition that affects heart rhythm. This rare condition may cause severe rapid, irregular heartbeat, and dizziness or fainting. If this occurs, seek medical attention immediately. These conditions are rarely fatal.
Prior to taking Uroxatral, inform your physician of all other medications, vitamins, and dietary supplements you are taking. Some medications should not be taken with Uroxatral.
Risk for QT prolongation is increased if the patient has low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood, as well as if the patient is using certain other medications, like diuretics. QT prolongation is also increased if the patient experiences sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Uroxatral may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform any other activity that requires you to be alert until you are aware of how this medication affects your performance.
Limit consumption of alcoholic beverages while taking this medication.
Stand up slowly after lying or sitting down to reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting, especially if you just began using this medication, or if your doctor has changed your dose.
Inform your doctor that you are taking this medication before having any surgeries, including dental surgery.
Elderly patients may be more prone to side effects of this medication, particularly dizziness and QT prolongation.
Only men should take this medication.
Do I Need to Follow a Special Diet When Taking Uroxatral?
Follow your regular diet unless directed otherwise by a physician. Take this medication at the same time daily after a meal. Talk to your doctor about eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
What If I Forget a Dose?
If a dose is missed, take the medication as soon as you remember. However, if nearing the time when you are supposed to take the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. If a dose is missed, do not double the dose.
Are There Side Effects When Taking Uroxatral for Prostatitis?
Side effects may include:
- Dizziness/lightheadedness
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Decreased sexual functioning
Inform your physician if any of these symptoms persist or worsen.
Serious side effects may include:
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Severe abdominal pain
- Yellowing eyes or skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dark urine
If any of these more severe side effects occur, inform your physician immediately.
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience the following rare side effects:
- Severe dizziness
- Fainting
- Fast, irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
If you experience a priapism, a painful or lingering erection that continues for four hours or longer, stop taking this medication immediately and seek medical attention. If not treated promptly, this could lead to permanent impotence.
If you experience rare symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately. These symptoms may include:
- Rash
- Itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
- Severe dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
Does Uroxatral Have Special Storage Instructions?
This medication should remain in its original container, sealed tightly.
This medication should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep this medication away from children and pets. Do not store in the bathroom.
Discard this product properly when it is expired. (Do not flush it down the toilet or rinse it down the drain.)
What Do I Do in the Case of an Accidental Overdose?
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- Fainting
- Irregular heartbeat
In case of a suspected overdose, contact an emergency room or poison control center immediately. For a local control center in the United States, call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents: call a poison control center within your province.
What Else Should I Know About Uroxatral for Prostatitis?
Uroxatral interacts with many other medications. Discuss with your physician which prescription and nonprescription products you’re using before starting this drug. Do not share this medication with others. Be sure to see your doctor regularly while taking this medication.