Alfuzosin
Information about Alfuzosin
Alfuzosin uses
Alfuzosin is used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
How alfuzosin works
Alfuzosin is an alpha blocker. It works by relaxing muscle around the bladder exit and prostate gland so urine is passed more easily.
Common side effects of alfuzosin
Dizziness, Ejaculation disorder
Available Medicine for Alfuzosin
Expert advice for Alfuzosin
- Alfuzosin helps in relieving the symptoms of enlarged prostate. It doesn't decrease the size of the prostate.
- Alfuzosin must be taken with food.
- You will feel better within hours or days of starting treatment. Full effect is usually seen within 2 weeks.
- Alfuzosin may cause you to feel dizzy, faint, lightheaded, or weak, especially when you stand up (orthostatic hypotension). Take special precaution if you have to drive, use machines or do any activity that needs alertness.
- If your undergoing eye surgery due to cataract or glaucoma, inform your eye doctor about the usage of Alfuzosin.
- Inform your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with kidney or liver problems.
Frequently asked questions for Alfuzosin
Alfuzosin
Q. Apart from taking medicines, what should I do to manage my prostate symptoms?
Simple lifestyle changes can help you manage your prostate symptoms better. Try to urinate when you first get the urge. However, take care not to strain or push to empty your bladder. Avoid drinking fluids (especially alcohol, caffeine) a few hours before bedtime or going out. You should also avoid medicines that can worsen urinary symptoms. These include some over the counter medicines for cold and cough.
Q. Is Alfuzosin safe?
Alfuzosin is relatively safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor.
Q. Is Alfuzosin better than tamsulosin?
Alfuzosin and tamsulosin belong to the same category of drugs and are equally effective and safe in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Always follow doctor's advice regarding its use.
Q. Does Alfuzosin contain sulfa?
No, Alfuzosin does not contain sulfa. However, please refer to the package insert of the prescribed brand before use for the composition.
Q. Does Alfuzosin lower prostate specific antigen?
Alfuzosin can lower the prostate specific antigen. However, the effect may vary with the individual taking the medicine.
Q. How to use Alfuzosin with a catheter?
Alfuzosin can be given to a patient with a catheter in place and can continue even after removal of the catheter. Clinical studies have shown beneficial results of using Alfuzosin in patients catheterised for acute urinary retention caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). These patients could pass urine more easily after catheter removal with a lesser need for re-catheterisation.
Q. Does Alfuzosin cause ejaculation problems?
Ejaculatory problems like retrograde ejaculation and ejaculation failure are a common side effect associated with the use of Alfuzosin and are dose-dependent, i.e., a higher dose will cause more side effects. Priapism (painful erection) is also seen to be a rare and serious side effect with its use.
Q. Is Alfuzosin a steroid?
Alfuzosin is not a steroid. It is an alpha adrenergic receptor blocker used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Q. Is Alfuzosin available over the counter?
Alfuzosin is not an over the counter medicine. It belongs to a class of prescription medicines.
Q. How does Alfuzosin work?
Alfuzosin relaxes the smooth muscles of the prostate and decreases the pressure on the urethra. This helps in relieving the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia as it allows easy passage of urine and decreases urge to urinate repeatedly both during day and night time, and it allows complete emptying of the bladder.
Q. Does Alfuzosin help in erectile dysfunction?
Alfuzosin is not indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Please consult your doctor if you are suffering from erectile dysfunction for its right treatment.
Q. Is Alfuzosin a diuretic?
No, Alfuzosin is not a diuretic. It is an alpha adrenergic receptor blocker used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Q. How does Alfuzosin help in removal of kidney stones?
Alfuzosin helps in removal of kidney stones which are in the distal ureter. It works by relaxing the muscles of the urinary tract which causes an easy removal of the stones. It does not break the kidney stones. Use of Alfuzosin also decreases the need for painkillers.
Q. Is Alfuzosin better than tamsulosin?
Alfuzosin and tamsulosin belong to the same class of drugs and are equally good in relieving the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, tamsulosin is seen to cause more ejaculatory problems like retrograde ejaculation and anejaculation and has more chances of causing floppy iris syndrome which can affect the clinical outcomes in cataract surgery.
Q. Why should I stop taking Alfuzosin before my cataract surgery?
Alfuzosin can cause floppy eye syndrome in which the muscles of the iris become floppy and the pupil constricts unexpectedly during cataract surgery. So, when the eye surgeon actually needs a dilated pupil, it will constrict and restrict the field of surgery and can affect the surgical outcomes.
Q. Why does Alfuzosin cause stuffy nose?
Alfuzosin relaxes the smooth muscles of the blood vessels and this vasodilation of the blood vessels can cause a stuffy nose.