Uroxatral (Alfuzosin HCl) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Uroxatral

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia »

What is the prostate gland?

The prostate is a small organ about the size of a walnut. It lies below the bladder (where urine is stored) and surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder). The prostate makes a fluid that helps to nourish sperm as part of the semen (ejaculatory fluid).

Prostate problems are common in men 50 and older. Most can be treated successfully without harming sexual function. A urologist is a specialist in diseases of the urinary system, including diagnosing and treating problems of the prostate gland.

How does the doctor detect prostate enlargement?

A doctor usually can detect an enlarged prostate by rectal exam. The doctor also may examine the urethra, prostate, and bladder using a cytoscope, an instrument that is inserted through the penis.

What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is nonmalignant...

Read the Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia article »

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Uroxatral Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking alfuzosin (Uroxatral)?

You should not use alfuzosin if you have:

severe liver disease; or
if you are also using an antifungal medication such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), or ritonavir (Norvir).

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take alfuzosin:

prostate cancer;
liver disease;
kidney disease;
a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome;
angina (chest pain);
coronary artery disease (such as arteriosclerosis);
low blood pressure;
a history of an allergic reaction to alfuzosin;
if you are taking another alpha-blocker such as terazosin (Hytrin), prazosin (Minipress), doxazosin (Cardura), or guanadrel (Hylorel) for high blood pressure or prostate problems;
if you are taking certain medicines to treat HIV or AIDS.

FDA pregnancy category B. Although alfuzosin is not for use in women, this medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. If you are a woman using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether alfuzosin passes into breast milk, or if it could harm a nursing baby. If you are a woman using this medication, do not take alfuzosin without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take alfuzosin (Uroxatral)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Alfuzosin should be taken just after eating food. Take alfuzosin after the same meal each day. Do not take it on an empty stomach.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or crushing the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

It is important to use alfuzosin regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Alfuzosin can affect the pupils of your eyes during cataract surgery. If you have cataract surgery during your treatment with alfuzosin, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking this medication. Do not stop using alfuzosin before surgery unless your surgeon tells you to.

Store alfuzosin at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

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