Alfuzosin HCL for Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Alfuzosin HCL is a type of medication known as an alpha-blocker. It is prescribed by most doctors to help relieve urinary symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) such as difficulty urinating, painful urination, and urinary urgency or frequency. Alfuzosin was approved in the US for the treatment of BPH in2003. It’s one of the most prescribed medications in the US.

What condition does Alfuzosin HCL treat?

Alfuzosin is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia or also known as enlargement of the prostate gland in older men. BPH is a noncancerous increase in the size of the prostate gland, a muscular gland in the male reproductive system. It lies at the top of the tube connecting the bladder to the urethra.

Enlargement of the prostate is a common condition in men older than 50 years. It can cause bothersome urinary symptoms, over time, other complications. Although the exact cause is unknown, changes in the sex hormones that come with aging may be a factor.

How does Alfuzosin HCL work?

• Alfuzosin is a good medication for an enlarged prostate. It works just as well as other drugs of its kind but with fewer severe side effects.
• It’s a type of medicine called as alpha-blocker or α-adrenoreceptor antagonists. Alpha-blockers can treat high blood pressure at the same time can treat prostate problems in men.
• Alfuzosin relaxes the smooth muscle tissue found in the prostate and bladder neck. It works by blocking the alpha receptors found in the muscle of the prostate gland. This allows the urine to flow freely past the prostate and relieves the urinary symptoms.
• Many enlarge prostate symptoms are improved with alpha-blockers. Taking this medication works better than taking no medicine at all.

What is the dosage of Alfuzosin HCL?

• The amount of medicine you take and the duration is based on the strength of the medicine. The recommended dose for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia is 10mg a day.
• The onset of action is approximately 1 hour while the duration of the effects in the body lasts for exactly 24 hours.

How to take Alfuzosin HCL?

• Alfuzosin comes in a tablet form for you to take by mouth. Take it immediately after a meal. Do not take it on an empty stomach. Take it at the same time each day.
• Take this exactly as directed to you by your physician. Do not take more or less than what is directed or for longer than the required time of treatment.
• Swallow the tablet with plenty of water. Do not chew or break the tablet.
• Continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this without the knowledge of your doctor.

What are the precautions in taking Alfuzosin HCL?

• Use this medicine with care among patients with:
  • Decreased kidney and liver functions
  • Heart failure
  • Who are taking antihypertensive medications
  • Angina pectoris
  • Abnormal heart rhythm as seen on the ECG
  • A history of stroke or other problems involving the circulation of blood to the brain.
• Do not use among patients with:
  • Severely decreased kidney and liver functions
  • A history of too low blood pressure that causes dizziness when moving from a lying down position or sitting position.
  • Who are allergic to any of its ingredients
  • Children
  • This medicine is not indicated for use in female patients.
• Before you take this medication, your doctor may test your prostate-specific antigen to check for prostate cancer. BPH often has symptoms as prostate cancer. They may also often occur together.
• This drug can treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate but it does not stop the prostate from getting bigger or making it smaller.
• Before you start using Alfuzosin, talk to your doctor as this can interact with many medications. Inform your doctor about your other medications including non-prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Do not use medications like ketoconazole, ritonavir, or itraconazole while using this medicine.
• Alfuzosin may cause a sudden drop in your blood pressure and may cause fainting or dizziness during the initial treatment. Check your blood pressure more often. Avoid driving or do potentially hazardous activities until you know how the medicine affects you.
• Aside from taking this medication, vomiting, diarrhea or heavy sweating may also cause your blood pressure to become too low.
• Just like any other medication, Alfuzosin can cause unwanted side effects too. Common side effects are headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, dry mouth, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Uncommon side effects are flushing, fainting, itching, fainting, and drowsiness.
• One extreme side effect is prolonged erection, if this happens to you, tell your doctor. An untreated prolonged erection can result in permanent erectile dysfunction or impotence.
• This drug can cause serious side effects on your heart. Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor right away if you will experience any of the following symptoms:
  • Chest tightness or heaviness
  • Sweating
  • Chest pain or angina
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Jaw pain
  • Trouble breathing
  • Nausea and dizziness
• Alfuzosin is used only for men. Women should not take this especially if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you are scheduled for surgery including dental procedures and eye surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking this drug or have taken it before.

Costs of Generic Alfuzosin HCL vs. Uroxatral

Alfuzosin HCL is a generic medication for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia or an enlarged prostate. It may also be used for the purpose as determined by your doctor. Alfuzosin HCL is much cheaper compared with the brand name Uroxatral. Alfuzosin HCL 10mg cost $0.61 per unit price or $55 for 90 pills. While the brand name Uroxatral cost $1,903.53 for 90 tabs or $21.15 per unit price.