Alfuzosin for urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate gland

A common problem that many men face as they age is an enlarged prostate. Medically, we call this 'Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia' or BPH. This can cause difficulty urinating, frequent urination, a feeling of incomplete urination, or a dribbling of urine. Do you have any of these problems? Then your doctor may prescribe you a medication called Alfuzosin. So, today we will talk in detail about this medication, what it does, how to use it, and what to be careful about.

What kind of medicine is Alfuzosin?

Simply put, Alfuzosin is a medication used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It belongs to a class of drugs called alpha blockers .

Imagine that the prostate gland is located in the middle of the urethra (the passageway) through which urine flows from your bladder. When this gland becomes large, it squeezes the urethra. It's like squeezing a water pipe. Alfuzosin works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the prostate and the bladder neck. This allows the urethra to open up, relieves pressure, and allows you to urinate easily and without difficulty.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before using Alfuzosin, it is very important to tell your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have any of the following conditions:

• Liver disease: If you have any liver disease, because the liver plays a major role in removing this medicine from the body.
• Kidney disease: If your kidneys are not functioning properly, you should also mention it.
• Heart disease: If you have heart disease, chest pain (angina), or an irregular heartbeat.
• Low blood pressure: If you have low blood pressure, be aware of it, as this medicine may lower your blood pressure even more.
• Allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to Alfuzosin or any other alpha blocker (e.g. Tamsulosin, Doxazosin) in the past, you should tell your doctor. Also, tell your doctor if you have any allergies to other medications, foods, or dyes.

This information is very important for your safety, because the doctor will decide on the most suitable and safest treatment for you based on this information.

How to use the medicine correctly?

To get the most out of a medication, it is very important to use it correctly.

• Take after meals: This medicine should be taken at the same time every day, after a meal . Do not take it on an empty stomach. The medicine is better absorbed by the body when taken with food.
• Swallow the pill whole: These usually come in 'Extended-Release' tablets. This means that the medicine is released into the body over time. So do not break, crush, or chew the pill. Swallow the pill whole with a glass of water.
• If you miss a dose: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose.
• If you take too much medicine: If you think you have taken too much medicine, do not panic and immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
• Seek advice when stopping: Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.

Things to keep in mind when using the medicine

While taking Alfuzosin, be aware of these points for your safety and the effectiveness of the medication.

Dizziness and drowsiness

You may feel dizzy or lightheaded, especially in the first few days after starting the medication, when the dosage is increased, or when exercising on a hot day. This is because the medication lowers your blood pressure slightly.

• Therefore, it is wise to stay away from activities that require a lot of attention, such as driving or operating machinery, until your body gets used to this medication.
• Do not change positions suddenly. Especially if you are elderly, when getting up from a bed or a chair, take a few steps and stand up slowly. If you stand up suddenly, your blood pressure may drop (Postural Hypotension), causing you to feel dizzy and fall.
• Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can make dizziness and drowsiness worse.

Be aware of painful erections.

Although this is a rare occurrence, it is important to be aware. If a person taking Alfuzosin experiences a painful or prolonged erection that lasts more than 4 hours, it is an emergency. This is called Priapism. If this happens, go to an emergency room immediately to get treatment before permanent damage occurs.

Other drugs that may interact with Alfuzosin (Drug Interactions)

It is important to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and even herbal products you are taking, as some medications can interact with Alfuzosin.

*This is not a complete list. So please inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking.*

Side effects that may occur due to medication

Like any medicine, Alfuzosin can cause side effects in some people, although not everybody gets them.

How to store the medicine?

• Keep away from children. This is mandatory.
• Store at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius). Protect from excessive heat, light, and moisture. Therefore, it is not a good idea to keep medication in places like the bathroom.
• Throw away expired medicine. Check the expiration date on the medicine package and do not use medicine that has passed the expiration date.

Alfuzosin, Uroxatral, prostate, BPH, difficulty urinating, alpha blockers, men's health