Q. Is Alfuzosin gluten free or contain sulfa?
Yes, Alfuzosin is gluten free. However, please refer to the package insert of the prescribed brand before use. It does not contain sulfa.
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. Can I take Alfuzosin in the morning?
Alfuzosin can be taken after any meal of the day but after the same meal every day. It should be taken half an hour after food.
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. Can I take Alfuzosin twice a day?
No, Alfuzosin is not to be taken twice a day. It should be taken once daily preferably after food.
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. Why should I take Alfuzosin with food?
It is suggested to take Alfuzosin approximately half to one hour after food intake. It should not be taken empty stomach as there could be increased chances of postural hypotension and the presence of food can decrease its absorption.
Q. Why take Alfuzosin at bedtime?
Alfuzosin causes peripheral blood vessel dilatation and pooling of blood in extremities leading to a fall in blood pressure on the sudden change in posture from lying down to sitting or standing. The patient experiences dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, spinning sensation, and vertigo. This can be prevented if the patient remains in the lying down position for a long time. So, it is preferred to take Alfuzosin at bedtime especially when therapy is initiated.
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.
