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Alfuzosin is a medication already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This comes as a tablet for oral use. This medicine has a strength of 10 mg for medical use.
What condition does Alfuzosin treat?
Alfuzosin is mostly prescribed in relieving the urinary symptoms of prostate gland enlargement. This usually occurs in men as they get older. Certain muscles in the gland may be tight as the prostate gland enlarges. Also, it may get in the way of the tube that drains urine from the bladder. This may cause difficulties in urinating such as:
- A feeling of not being able to empty the bladder completely
- A weak stream when urinating
- A need to urinate often
This medicine helps relax the muscles in the prostate and the opening of the bladder. This also helps lessen the symptoms and increase the flow of urine. The prostate may continue to get larger and may cause the symptoms to become worse over time. Even though Alfuzosin help lessens the problems caused by an enlarged prostate, surgery is still needed in the future.
How does Alfuzosin work?
Alfuzosin is a type of drug known as an alpha-blocker. This works by blocking alpha receptors found in the prostate gland which is only found in a man that lies on top of the tube which connects the bladder to the urethra. The prostate gland often enlarges with advancing age that presses on the urethra and blocking the flow of urine from the bladder. As a result, it can cause several urinary symptoms such as difficulty passing urine. This medication stops alpha receptors in the muscle of the prostate gland which makes the muscle in the prostate calm. This lets urine flow easily past the prostate and relieves the urinary symptoms.
What is the dosage of Alfuzosin?
This prescription is used exactly as given by your doctor. Take Alfuzosin usually once a day by mouth. Each dose can be taken after the same meal each day. The medicine should not be crushed or chewed. Doing so can release all of the medicine at once which increases the risk of certain side effects. Swallow the medicine as a whole with a full glass of water. Take this medication regularly and as directed by your doctor.
This medicine may cause a sudden drop in your blood pressure which can lead to fainting or dizziness. It usually occurs a few hours after taking a dose. The risk is higher when you first start taking Alfuzosin or you restart taking it after stopping the treatment. During these periods, prevent circumstances where you may be injured if you faint. Your doctor may tell you to take your first dose with food at bedtime so that your body can get used to its effects to avoid injury from fainting or dizziness.
What are the precautions in using Alfuzosin?
- This drug can affect your ability to drive because it may make you dizzy. Make sure your reaction to this drug is normal before driving or doing things that may be harmful if you were not fully alert.
- Keep your regular appointments with your doctor to check on your progress. Your doctor may want to take your blood pressure regularly especially at the first start of your treatment.
- It is recommended to not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine. Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness or feeling faint.
- Consider stopping or lessening the amount of caffeine you drink. Caffeine can worsen your symptoms. Drinking less of it will benefit you.
- If you are a smoker, stop smoking while having treatment with this medicine. It may significantly improve your symptoms. Nicotine irritates the bladder. If you have trouble stopping smoking, you can ask your doctor for advice.
- If you are having dental treatment or a certain operation, inform the person performing the treatment that you are taking this medicine. Your blood pressure may suddenly drop if you have an anesthetic.
- It is also important to tell your surgeon that you are taking this medicine if you are having cataract surgery. An eye problem has developed in several people and your doctor may recommend stopping taking this medicine for a short time.
