Uroxatral

Uroxatral is a prescription drug licensed for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition in which the prostate becomes enlarged. This medication works by relaxing the muscles of the prostate and the neck of the bladder. Uroxatral comes as a 10 mg tablet and is generally taken once a day after a meal. Potential side effects may include dizziness, headaches, and fatigue.

 

What Is Uroxatral?

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).
 
(Click Uroxatral Uses for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Uroxatral?

Uroxatral is made by sanofi-aventis.
 

How Does It Work?

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).
 

When and How to Take It

Some general considerations include the following:
 
  • Uroxatral comes in the form of an extended-release tablet. It is usually taken by mouth once a day immediately after a meal.
     
  • Make sure to take the medication after the same meal each day. Also, do not take it on an empty stomach, as it is best absorbed just after a meal.
     
  • Swallow the tablets whole. Do no break, cut, or chew them, as this would release too much of the medication too quickly.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Uroxatral will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information

There is only one standard Uroxatral dose, regardless of your age or weight. As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Uroxatral Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Uroxatral

As with any medicine, Uroxatral may cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Some of the most common side effects include, but are not limited to:
 
(Click Uroxatral Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

Uroxatral can potentially interact with a number of other medications (see Uroxatral Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Uroxatral if you have:
 
  • Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
  • Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
  • An irregular heart rhythm known as QT prolongation or long QT syndrome
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Chest pain (angina)
  • Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Uroxatral Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

An overdose is likely to cause dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension). If you happen to overdose on Uroxatral, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Uroxatral Overdose for more information.)
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you forget to take your dose, simply skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of the medication.
 

Strengths

Uroxatral comes in just one strength (10 mg tablets).
 

Is There a Generic Version of Uroxatral?

Currently, Uroxatral is not available in generic form.
 
(Click Generic Uroxatral for more information.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;