alfuzosin

alfuzosin,

an antiadrenergic agent.

indication This drug is used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

contraindications Known hypersensitivity to this drug and moderate to severe hepatic impairment prohibit its use.

adverse effects Adverse effects of this drug include postural hypotension within a few hours of administration, chest pain, tachycardia, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, constipation, impotence, priapism, general body pain, rash, upper respiratory infection, bronchitis, and sinusitis. Common side effects include dizziness and headache.

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alfuzosin

Besavar (UK), Uroxatral, Xatral (CA) (UK)

Pharmacologic class: Alpha₁-adrenergic receptor blocker

Therapeutic class: Benign prostatic hyperplasia agent

Pregnancy risk category B

Action

Selectively inhibits alpha₁-adrenergic receptors in lower urinary tract, relaxing smooth muscle in bladder neck and prostate

Availability

Tablets (extended-release): 10 mg

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Adults: 10 mg P.O. once daily with food, given at same meal each day

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug or its components
• Moderate or severe hepatic impairment
• Concomitant use of potent CYP-4503A4 inhibitors (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, or ritonavir)

Precautions

Use cautiously until prostate cancer is ruled out. Also use cautiously in:
• coronary, hepatic, or renal insufficiency
• congenital or acquired QT prolongation.

Administration

• Administer with food.
• Don't crush or break tablet.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
P.O.	Unknown	8 hr	Unknown

Adverse reactions

CNS: dizziness, headache, fatigue

EENT: sinusitis, pharyngitis

GI: nausea, constipation, abdominal pain, dyspepsia

Respiratory: upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis

Other: pain

Interactions

Drug-drug. Atenolol, cimetidine, diltiazem, itraconazole, ketoconazole, ritonavir: increased alfuzosin blood level

Drug-food. Any food: increased alfuzosin absorption

Patient monitoring

• Monitor patient for adverse reactions, such as dizziness.

Patient teaching

• Instruct patient to take drug with food at same time each day.
• Tell patient not to break, chew, or crush tablet.
• Caution patient to avoid driving and other hazardous activities until he knows if drug makes him dizzy.
• As appropriate, review all other significant adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs and foods mentioned above.