Alfuzosin

Take your first dose of alfuzosin at bedtime. If you feel dizzy, faint, tired or are sweating, lie down until the feeling passes.
As your body is getting used to alfuzosin you may feel dizzy or light-headed when standing up or sitting up quickly - getting up more slowly will help.

About alfuzosin

Type of medicine	Alpha-blocker
Used for	Enlargement of the prostate gland in men
Also called	Xatral® Xatral® XL Besavar® XL
Available as	Tablets Modified release tablets (these release alfuzosin slowly throughout the day to give an even effect)

Enlargement of the prostate gland can reduce the flow of urine from the bladder and can lead to other urinary problems. Alfuzosin works by relaxing muscles around the bladder and prostate so that urine can be passed more easily.

Before taking alfuzosin

Before taking alfuzosin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
If you suffer from angina.
If you feel dizzy or faint when standing up from a sitting or lying position.
If you have ever fainted after passing urine.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take alfuzosin

Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible before beginning treatment.
If you have been given the modified release tablet, it should be swallowed whole and not chewed. Take it with or after a meal.
Your first dose of alfuzosin may make you feel faint - it's important that you take it at bedtime.
Take your dose at the same times each day so that you do not miss any doses. If you do forget to take a dose, leave out the missed dose and take the next dose on time. Do not take two doses together.
Do not stop taking alfuzosin without speaking with your doctor first.
Try to avoid drinking alcohol whilst you are taking alfuzosin, as it will increase drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, only drink a little and be aware of its effects on you.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of alfuzosin contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Where possible take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside alfuzosin.
Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking alfuzosin.

Can alfuzosin cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness, blurred vision	Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or could not see clearly
Dizziness, light-headedness or fainting, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position	Getting up slowly may help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness returning
Dry mouth	Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If this becomes a problem, speak with your doctor or pharmacist
Headache	Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor
Feeling or being sick, diarrhoea	Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast and drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids

Other side effects include weakness, depression, sexual problems, constipation, stuffy nose, a fast or fluttering heartbeat, and flushing.

Important: If you develop chest pain, a rash or swelling of the mouth and tongue, contact your doctor straight away.

How to store alfuzosin

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

Important information about all medicines

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Where possible take the container with you, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Manufacturer's PIL, Xatral®XL, Sanofi-Synthelabo, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised February 2005, accessed 10 December 2007.
Summary of Product Characteristics, Xatral® Sanofi-Synthelabo, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised May 2007, accessed 10 December 2007.

DocID:
3848

DocRef:
dils3877

Last Updated:
28 Jan 2008

Date of Next Review:
27 Jan 2010

Version:
22

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