Alfuzosin

Common Use

Alfuzosin belongs to a class of medications called alpha-blockers—in simple terms, it works by relaxing certain muscles in the body. It is used specifically to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) , a condition commonly known as an enlarged prostate. This is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that affects many men as they get older. When the prostate becomes enlarged, it can press on the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the bladder), causing symptoms such as:

Difficulty starting to urinate

A weak or interrupted urine stream

Frequent urination, especially at night

A feeling that the bladder is not completely empty

Alfuzosin works by blocking receptors in the lower urinary tract, which relaxes the smooth muscles in the bladder neck and prostate. This relieves the pressure on the urethra and makes it easier to pass urine. It is important to note that Alfuzosin does not shrink the prostate—it simply helps relax the muscles around it to improve urine flow.

Dosage and Direction

Take Alfuzosin exactly as your doctor prescribes. It is taken by mouth, and you should take it with the same meal every day—this helps the medicine be absorbed consistently and reduces the risk of side effects. Swallow the tablet whole; do not split, crush, break, or chew it. The tablet is designed to release the medication slowly, and breaking it can cause too much of the drug to be released at once.

Precautions

Use this medicine with caution, especially when you first start taking it. Alfuzosin can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness, particularly when you first stand up. To reduce the risk of falls:

Sit up or stand slowly, especially if you have been sitting or lying down for a while

Avoid situations where injury could occur if you were to faint

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Alfuzosin, as it can make these side effects worse.

If you experience chest pain that starts or gets worse while taking this medication, contact your doctor. If you need to have any surgery—especially dental surgery or eye surgery for cataracts—make sure to tell your surgeon or dentist that you are taking Alfuzosin. This is important because the medication can affect the way certain eye surgeries go.

In rare cases, Alfuzosin can cause a prolonged and painful erection (priapism). This is a medical emergency—if an erection lasts for more than 4 hours and is not treated, it can lead to permanent damage and impotence (inability to get an erection).

Alfuzosin is not recommended for use in women, and it should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Contraindications

You should not use Alfuzosin if:

You are allergic to alfuzosin or any of its ingredients

You have liver problems (severe hepatic impairment)

You are taking certain medications that can interact with it (see Drug Interactions below)

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

Drowsiness or dizziness

Stomach pain or discomfort

Runny nose

Headache

Fatigue (tiredness)

Severe side effects—which require immediate medical attention—include:

Severe allergic reactions: rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue, unusual hoarseness

Chest pain or fast/irregular heartbeat

Fainting

Dark urine or pale stools

Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

Fever, chills, or persistent sore throat

Joint pain

Painful or prolonged erection (lasting more than 4 hours)

Severe or persistent dizziness or stomach pain

Unusual fatigue or weakness

Decreased sexual ability

If any of these occur, seek medical help right away.

Drug Interactions

Alfuzosin can interact with a number of other medications, which can increase the risk of side effects such as severe low blood pressure (hypotension). Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

Azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole)

Macrolide antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin)

Amiodarone (a heart medication)

Other alpha-blockers (used for high blood pressure or prostate conditions)

HIV protease inhibitors (such as ritonavir)

Nefazodone (an antidepressant)

Nitrates (used for chest pain)

PDE5 inhibitors (such as sildenafil, tadalafil—used for erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension)

Telithromycin (an antibiotic)

Always provide your doctor with a full list of all medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and herbal supplements.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Alfuzosin, take it as soon as you remember—but only if it is not almost time for your next dose. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

Overdose

Symptoms of an Alfuzosin overdose may include fainting and irregular heartbeat. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Storage

Store Alfuzosin at room temperature, around 25°C (77°F), in a tightly closed container. Keep it away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not store it in the bathroom. Keep Alfuzosin out of reach of children and away from pets.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications, which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information on this site cannot be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed upon with your healthcare adviser or the doctor in charge of your case. We disclaim reliability of this information and any mistakes it may contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site, nor for the consequences of self-treatment.

About Our Service Cydoctors.com is an online pharmacy based right here in Cyprus. We know that when you’re managing a condition like an enlarged prostate, having consistent access to your medication matters—so we’ve made our service straightforward, reliable, and built with your convenience in mind. Because we’re local to the island, we can arrange delivery in the shortest possible time. For our customers in Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos, we’re pleased to offer overnight delivery, so your Alfuzosin can be with you by the next day, helping you stay on top of your treatment without any fuss.