Index
It works by relaxing the muscles of the prostate and neck of the bladder, which relieves the symptoms of BPH, such as difficulty in starting the flow of urine.
Indications
It also addresses the need to urinate urgently or frequently, weak urine flow, and the need to urinate several times during the night.
Alfuzosin is an alpha-blocker used to treat the symptoms of BPH, a condition of the prostate gland also known as an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Although it can relax muscles, it is not an adequate medication to treat high blood pressure. In some cases, Alfuzosin can also help the body pass kidney stones through the urine.
Mechanism of action
The prostate gland is located on top of a tube that connects the bladder to the urethra. With age, this gland increases in size, press the urethra and obstructs urine flow from the bladder. This can cause several urinary symptoms, such as difficulty urinating and even stopping urinating.
Alfuzosin works by blocking the alpha receptors present in the prostate gland’s muscles. This causes the muscles to relax and allows urine to pass freely through the prostate.
Administration
Usually, your doctor will advise you to take this medication with or after food, as it will be brought before the food can reduce its absorption and decrease its effectiveness. If you use the extended-release tablets, you will have to swallow them whole.
Do not crush, chew or break them. Since this medication can cause dizziness, you should avoid driving a vehicle, operating a machine, or performing any activity that requires you to be fully alert. Because of this effect, your doctor will advise you to take this medicine at bedtime.
Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit during treatment with Alfuzosin. Grapefruit can increase the amount of alfuzosin hydrochloride absorbed into the bloodstream and can worsen its side effects.
To keep the level of medication in your body constant, try to take it at almost the same time every day.
Your first dose of alfuzosin may make you feel dizzy or faint or begin to sweat.
Take your first tablet at bedtime and stay in bed until these symptoms have passed.
Alfuzosin may cause dizziness that can affect your ability to drive. Make sure your reactions are normal before moving or using tools or machines.
The common symptoms of the enlarged prostate that are experienced are waiting a long time before your urine starts to flow, taking more time in the toilet, dribbling the urine, and feeling that your bladder is not empty.
Alfuzosin works by relaxing the muscles around the bladder and prostate so you can urinate more easily.
Presentation
There are two types of alfuzosin tablets available:
Immediate-release tablets and extended-release tablets. The immediate-release tablets should be taken several times daily (usually three times a day). The extended-release tablets are taken once a day, as they release alfuzosin slowly throughout the day.
recommendations
Some medications are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes medication can only be used if additional care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking alfuzosin, your doctor must know:
- If you ever feel dizzy or faint when you stand up or have ever fainted after urinating.
- If you need to undergo cataract eye surgery.
- If you have liver, kidney, or heart problems.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medication.
- Suppose you are taking or using other medications. This includes any medicines you accept that are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
Before starting treatment, read the manufacturer’s printed information brochure from inside the package. It will give you more information about alfuzosin and will provide you with a complete list of the side effects you may experience when taking it.
Take alfuzosin exactly as your doctor tells you to. Swallow the whole tablet with a drink of water, do not break it or chew it.
Your first dose of alfuzosin may make you feel dizzy or light-headed, so you must take it right before bedtime. If you feel dizzy or tired or start to sweat, stay in bed until these symptoms have completely disappeared.
If you were given immediate-release tablets (2.5 mg strength), the usual dose is one tablet three times a day, although this may vary. Your doctor will tell you what amount is correct for you, and the instructions will also be printed on the tablet pack label to remind you of what the doctor told you.
If you have been given extended-release tablets (these have ‘XL’ after the brand), take a tablet every day. Take the pill with a snack or right after eating.
After the first dose, you can take your amount at the time that suits you best, but try to take your doses at the same time every day. This will help you remember to take the tablets regularly.
If you forget to take a dose, do not worry; take the following amount when necessary and then continue as before. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
