Physicians have characterized an abnormal enlargement of the prostate as a symptom of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Today, one way to remove this symptom is by using Alfuzosin. Alfuzosin is actually part of the alpha-blockers classification and it relieves symptoms of an enlarged prostate, enabling patients to regain control over their lives.
The cause of Prostate Enlargement is unknown, but it’s believed to be linked to hormonal changes as a man gets older. The balance of hormones in your body changes as you get older and this may cause your prostate gland to grow. As the prostate gland enlarges, certain muscles in the gland may become tight and get in the way of the tube that drains urine from the bladder. This can cause problems with urinating, such as a need to urinate often, a weak stream when urinating, or a feeling of not being able to empty the bladder completely. Alfuzosin is a drug that helps the prostate relax to allow for improved bladder drainage.
How to use Alfuzosin?
Alfuzosin is available as a pill taken like any other regular medicine. It’s usually taken once per day, after eating a meal. If you vomit shortly after taking your dose of alfuzosin, do not take another dose. Contact your physician immediately to discuss alternatives. Follow the directions on your prescription label and ask your physician or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Make sure to take alfuzosin exactly as prescribed – don’t increase your intake or dose frequency because this can cause irreparable damage to your kidneys and even death in some cases! In general, Alfuzosin is taken once a day. Do swallow the pill as a whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Also remember:
- This medicine is only given to adult men (avoid giving it to children, consult a doctor in case of doubt)
- This medicine is available only with a doctor’s prescription directed for individuals
- If you have high blood pressure, increase monitoring frequency.
Precautions before using Alfuzosin
Making sure that you and your doctor have weighed the pros and cons is crucial when deciding to take any kind of medicine. Only after thoroughly considering both the positives and negatives associated with using this treatment may you decide whether or not it’s right for you. Here we have listed some precautions which you need to take before using Alfuzosin:
To date, there is insufficient evidence demonstrating that elderly individuals specifically have problems relating to their age which limits the usefulness of alfuzosin. However, people get older and may have health-related issues such as kidney, liver, or heart problems which may require caution when taking this medicine.
- If you are allergic to any other medications, or any of the ingredients in alfuzosin, let your doctor know. Ask for a list of ingredients if you are not familiar with them.
- Also, alfuzosin is unable to be taken by patients who have liver disease.
- Let your doctor know if you (or any member of your family) have or have ever had prostate cancer, angina, low blood pressure, or heart or kidney disease before receiving treatment.
- You should know that alfuzosin is only for use in men.
- Tell your pharmacist and doctor about any medications that might worsen, prevent or interfere with the effectiveness of your medicine, such as antibiotics (ampicillin, biaxin), antifungals (nystatin, ketoconazole), anticoagulants (“blood thinners”) including aspirin & clopidogrel (Plavix); anti-depressants, antihistamines; antidepressants; antipsychotics; birth control pills; calcium channel blockers; cimetidine (Tagamet); HIV protease inhibitors including atazanavir (Reyataz), indinavir (Crixivan), lopinavir (in Kaletra), nelfinavir (Viracept), reverse transcriptase inhibitors such as delavirdine (Rescriptor); ketoconazole or miconazole ear drops or tablets used to treat fungal infections of the scalp or skin; mechlorethamine hydrochloride used to treat cancer or leukemia. You should tell your healthcare provider about the medicines you take whenever a new medication is prescribed.
Also, some medicines should never be taken with food or alcohol as the chemical properties of, say, a medicine that interacts with alcohol can cause more than expected qualities in the body during digestion. Some medicines also may interact in different ways with different types of drinks.
Side-effects of Alfuzosin
Some of the common side effects of Alfuzosin include chest pain chills cold, sweats, confusion, dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position, fainting fast, pounding, irregular heartbeat & pulse, painful or prolonged erection of the penis, tarry stools, bleeding gums, bloody urine, chest discomfort, etc.
Storage instructions for Alfuzosin
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and away from our pets. Store it at room temperature and away from light and excess heat. Make sure you don’t keep your medication where it could get into the hands of children or various pets.
Symptoms of overdose of Alfuzosin
Although by all means one should take medicine as per prescription but still for some unforeseen conditions, we have shared the symptoms of Alfuzosin overdose:
- Fainting
- Lightheadedness
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Dizziness
Brand name Alfuzosin
Uroxatral is the popular brand name of Alfuzosin.