Uroxatral
® (
alfuzosin hydrochloride) is a prescription medication approved to treat the signs and symptoms of an
enlarged prostate (known medically as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or
BPH).
Uroxatral is made by sanofi-aventis.
Uroxatral is part of a class of drugs known as alpha blockers. In particular, it works by blocking alpha-1 receptors. Alpha-1 receptors are found in several places of the body, including the prostate gland.
When used for the treatment of BPH, alpha-1 blockers help to relax the muscles of the prostate and the bladder neck (where urine leaves the bladder). Uroxatral does not shrink the prostate, as some other BPH medications do. However, by relaxing the muscles of the prostate and bladder, Uroxatral helps to quickly relieve BPH symptoms. While this medication can help with symptoms, it is not a cure for BPH.
Effectiveness of Uroxatral
Uroxatral has been thoroughly evaluated in several different clinical studies. These studies showed that Uroxatral decreased BPH symptoms (such as frequent urination and a weak stream) and increased urine flow rate more than a placebo (a "sugar pill" that does not contain any active ingredients).