Uroxatral (alfuzosin hydrochloride) is an alpha blocker predominantly used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), better known as an enlarged prostate. Uroxatral also lowers blood pressure, but is only very rarely used as a treatment for hypertension.

Rarely Uroxatral may be used in young men under age 16 or in women to treat conditions other than BPH. Use in these populations should not be attempted without doctor involvement.

How It Works

Prostate enlargement is a common problem among older men. Located beneath the bladder and surrounding the urethra, an enlarged prostate often causes the muscles along the urethra to tighten, restricting urine flow and eventually producing uncomfortable, disruptive, and sometimes embarrassing symptoms.

Uroxatral works by relaxing muscles along the urethra and at the opening of the bladder, alleviating symptoms of:

• Difficulty urinating
• Weak urine stream
• Urgent urination
• Frequent urination
• Waking up to urinate
• Excessive dribbling at the end of urination
• Inability to fully empty the bladder

While Uroxatral helps reduce symptoms of BPH, it does not treat the condition itself; it will not reduce the size of the prostate or slow its enlargement. Other medications that do slow prostate growth or shrink the prostate may be given. It is possible that the prostate may becomes so enlarged that Uroxatral will no longer provide benefit, though this is unlikely in most men.

Treatment Overview

Men who think BPH is causing urination difficulties should be seen by a doctor prior to starting treatment. Prostate cancer can cause strikingly similar symptoms and must be ruled out; Uroxatral is unlikely to help relieve symptoms when due to cancer.

If BPH is diagnosed, a prescription for Uroxatral may be given. The medication comes in tablets, which must be swallowed whole. Taking tablets with food helps with absorption.

Treatment is typically as follows in men under age 65:

• Take 2.5 mg three times per day (total of 7.5 mg per day), taken at even intervals throughout the day.
• If needed, dosage may be increased to 10 mg per day.

Men over age 65 or men with liver impairment may be instructed to take a lower daily dose:

• Take 2.5 mg twice per day (total of 5 mg per day), taken morning and evening.

It may take 2 to 4 weeks of treatment with Uroxatral before maximum benefit will be felt, though many men notice some improvements sooner.

Treatment should continue for as long as it provides benefit. If BPH has not otherwise been addressed, ending treatment will most likely cause symptoms to return.

Precautions

Uroxatral lowers blood pressure, though it's not used as a treatment for hypertension. Symptoms of lowered blood pressure are often experienced at the start of treatment, even if blood pressure is still within healthy ranges. Symptoms can include dizziness, weakness, and fatigue; be careful performing dangerous tasks until effects are known. Alcohol can significantly worsen these symptoms.

Patients taking other medications to lower blood pressure should use Uroxatral with caution. Men with preexisting low blood pressure are not good candidates for this medication.

Other medications that influence urination should also be used with caution while taking Uroxatral, including over-the-counter supplements. Speak with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing these types of medications.

Uroxatral can cause complications in patients undergoing eye surgery, even if treatment stopped months prior to the surgery. Ophthalmologists should be notified ahead of time so they may be prepared in case these complications are encountered.