Alfuzosin

Alfuzosin (patient information)

Alfuzosin (INN, provided as the hydrochloride salt) is an alpha-adrenergic blocker used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.

Alfuzosin is marketed in the United States by Sanofi Aventis under the brand name Uroxatral and elsewhere under the tradename Xatral. Alfuzosin was approved by the FDA for treatment of BPH in June 2003.

Side effects
The most common side effects are dizziness (due to postural hypotension), upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and fatigue.

Contraindications
Alfuzosin should be used with caution in patients with severe renal insufficiency, and should not be prescribed to patients with a known history of QT prolongation or to patients who are taking medications known to prolong the QT interval.

