Xatral (alfuzosin hydrochloride) is an alpha blocker predominantly used to help men facilitate urination in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), otherwise known as an enlarged prostate.

Xatral comes in immediate-release tablets, typically taken two or three times per day. This medication is also available in extended-release tablets, taken just once per day, which many men find more convenient, but it can be difficult to modify dosage with extended-release tablets.

While there are some other uses for this medication, they are rare. Women and young men under age 16 should not take Xatral without explicit doctor approval and involvement.

What Xatral Is

As an alpha blocker, Xatral relaxes muscles in the prostate, along the urethra, and at the opening to the bladder. These muscles are often tense and tighten as a prostate enlarges, restricting urine flow; relaxing them helps facilitate urine flow.

The medication should help alleviate symptoms of:

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

If severe and untreated, impaired urination can lead to more serious problems, such as kidney damage. In some cases urine can be blocked to such an extent that emergency surgery is needed to empty the bladder.

Results do vary to some extent; some men experience complete symptoms relief with treatment, while others will experience only a reduction of symptoms. Likewise there is variation between individuals; some men with very large prostates experience only mild symptoms, while others with relatively small prostates experience severe symptoms.

Xatral also lowers blood pressure, though it is not prescribed as a treatment for hypertension.

What Xatral is Not

Xatral only helps facilitate urine flow. It will do absolutely nothing to slow, stop, or shrink the enlarged prostate. Other medications that do so may also be prescribed.

Xatral also does nothing for prostate cancer, which can produce very similar symptoms. The medication is unlikely to help alleviate even similar symptoms when caused by cancer instead of BPH.

Getting Started with Xatral

The immediate-release version of Xatral comes in 2.5 mg tablets. Tablets should be swallowed whole with food.

Prior to starting treatment men are strongly advised to have a doctor checkup; this will rule out prostate cancer and also check blood pressure. Men with preexisting low blood pressure are poor candidates for this medication.

Otherwise healthy men under age 65 are usually instructed to:

• 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 those with other major medical conditions may be instructed to:

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

Most men notice some improvement in symptoms just days after starting Xatral, but it can take up to a month before full benefit is seen. Give the medication at least a month, assuming no serious adverse effects develop, before deciding it doesn't work.

If BPH has not otherwise been addressed, ending treatment will most likely cause symptoms to return.

Adverse Effects & Other Concerns

Excluding low blood pressure symptoms, side effects from Xatral are rare and usually stop occurring after the first few weeks of treatment. Common side effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Stomach upset

If the above become severe or persistant, speak with a doctor.

Xatral will lower blood pressure to some extent. Even if blood pressure stays within normal ranges, a drop can cause symptoms. In the majority of cases these symptoms take place at the start of treatment and stop occurring after the first few weeks.

Symptoms of low blood pressure include:

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Nausea
• Clammy skin
• Fainting

The above symptoms are not cause for concern if mild. If any become severe, persist beyond the first few weeks of treatment, or if fainting is experienced, speak with a doctor.

Use caution when performing dangerous tasks until effects are known or symptoms stop occurring. Consuming alcohol can significantly worsen symptoms.

Many men try to further ease urination difficulties by limiting fluid intake. This may help, but it can also hurt if hydration is not maintained, a particular concern if experiencing diarrhea.

Xatral 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.