Alfuzosin is a modern medication for men to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland and to cope with urination problems. The medicine belongs to the group of adrenergic blockers. It relieves painful symptoms and significantly improves the quality of life.
Alfuzosin (as a hydrochloride salt) is an alpha-adrenergic blocker. It works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder areas, making urination easier. By blocking receptors located in the triangle and sphincter of the bladder and the urethra, the medicine eliminates spasm of smooth muscle fibers, which leads to a decrease in resistance to urine outflow. Reduces the tone of the smooth muscles of the arteries and veins. Reduces peripheral vascular resistance and systemic blood pressure. In therapeutic doses, it does not affect vascular alpha1-adrenergic receptors. Moreover, Alfuzosin doesn’t affect erections, and doesn’t have a negative impact on sexual life.
The drug is indicated to reduce urinary obstruction and relieve associated symptoms (e.g., sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder) in patients with symptomatic prostatic hyperplasia.
Indications for the Use
The primary reason for the use of Alfuzosin is the management of the progressive development of benign prostatic hyperplasia in the absence of surgical intervention. Also, to release other symptoms relating to the genitourinary system as an adjuvant when using a catheter for acute urinary retention associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Modern therapy for prostate hyperplasia is one of the most dynamically developing pharmaceutical disciplines. It is worth remembering that for a long time, conservative treatment of urinary disorders was limited to herbal medicine. The mechanism of action of herbal preparations was the inhibition of a number of enzymes (5α-reductase), blocking the effect on androgen receptors, reducing the production of globulin-binding sex hormone, and inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins in the prostate. But after the creation of synthetic drugs, including Alfuzosin, the effectiveness of treatment increased significantly and the number of side effects decreased.
Terms of Use and Dosage
Alfuzosin has been shown to be effective in reducing urinary tract symptoms and improving peak urinary flow rate in controlled and open-label studies. The drug has been used in immediate release (2.5 mg 3 times daily) and sustained release (5 mg twice daily) dosage forms, which are mainly marketed in Europe and other countries. For patients over 65 years of age, the initial dose is 2.5 mg twice a day (morning and evening); in the future, the dose can be increased (but not more than 10 mg/day). The dose is indicated to treat light symptoms of urination disorders in benign prostatic hyperplasia. The increased dosage can be prescribed in accordance with the severity of the disease and the low effectiveness of drug use.
The new extended-release dosage form of alfuzosin 10 mg is bioequivalent to the above forms and was specifically designed for ease of use by patients by reducing the number of doses to one per day. The drug does not require dose selection and has a rapid onset of action, which manifests itself within 8 hours after taking the first dose (assessed by changes in Qmax). A number of studies in recent years have proven the effectiveness and convenience of using the new dosage form of alfuzosin (10 mg) in comparison with previous ones. 10 mg of dosage is usually prescribed for a 3–4 days treatment course, including the time of catheterization.
The medicine is usually prescribed for adults and elderly people. Alfuzosin’s efficacy and safety in kids and teenagers under the age of eighteen have not been determined. Therefore, it’s not recommended to start Alfuzosin treatment in this age group.
It’s important to be careful while taking Alfuzosin for patients with high blood pressure as well as individuals taking antihypertensive medications. In the case of the described health problems, it is advised to start therapy with a dose of 5 mg once a day in the evening and work your way up to a maximum of 10 mg per day (5 mg twice daily), contingent on clinical response.
Treatment of patients with BPH with alfuzosin at a daily dose of 10 mg for 6 months is effective and well tolerated. This treatment did not interfere with sexual function, moreover, it even improved erectile and ejaculatory functions, as well as satisfaction with sexual life.
The drug is not intended for use by women.
Side effects
In most cases, the drug is well tolerated and doesn’t have severe side effects. The exception is individual intolerance to the components of the drug or allergic reactions. Also, the overdose increases the risk of adverse effects. Poor health conditions, including heart, kidney, and liver failure, might be main contradictions for use.
Among others, the most widespread but rare side effects are:
- orthostatic hypotension,
- tachycardia,
- exacerbation of angina symptoms (in patients with coronary artery disease),
- headache and dizziness,
- dry mouth,
- nausea,
- epigastric pain,
- diarrhea,
- rashes.
During the special study, only 5 (2.0%) patients experienced adverse events (dizziness in 0.4%, diarrhea in 0.4%, hybrid tract infection in 0.4%, increase in serum creatinine in 0.4%, an increase in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) by 0.4%). There were no cases of postural tension, syncope, or serious hypogonemic adverse events reported during the study. These data allow concluding that alfuzosin is well tolerated at a daily dose of 10 mg. Moreover, there were no patients with acute urinary retention reported during the study.
Interaction with Other Drugs
With the simultaneous use of alfuzosin with antihypertensive drugs (especially calcium channel blockers), a pronounced decrease in blood pressure is possible, up to the development of collapse. With the simultaneous use of alfuzosin with drugs for general anesthesia, the development of blood pressure instability during anesthesia is likely. Incompatible with other alpha1-blockers.
Disclaimer
The information offered here serves an educational purpose and is by no means a stand-in for the specialized guidance only a healthcare professional can provide. Should you find yourself with questions concerning a medical condition, it is crucial to reach out to your physician or an appropriately certified healthcare giver. Moreover, any reference to specific medications or treatments within this material does not constitute an official endorsement.