Alfuzosin Hydrochloride

Generic Name

Alfuzosin Hydrochloride

Other Names

• Uroxatral

Drug Class

• Alpha-1 blocker

Chemical Formula

C19H27N5O4.HCl

Molecular Weight

425.91 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

• Selective antagonist of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in the prostate, bladder base, and prostatic urethra.

Indications

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Common Dosage Forms

• Extended-release tablets

Typical Dosage

• 10 mg once daily

Pediatric Dosage

• Safety and efficacy not established in children

Geriatric Dosage

• Use with caution due to age-related decrease in hepatic and renal function

Side Effects

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Rhinitis

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to alfuzosin
• Severe hepatic impairment
• Severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min)

Pregnancy Category

• Category B - Animal studies show no risk, but there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.

Lactation Safety

• Limited data - caution advised, consider alternatives

Drug Interactions

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) can increase alfuzosin levels

Overdose Symptoms

• Hypotension
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Fatigue

Antidote for Overdose

• Symptomatic and supportive treatment

Storage Conditions

• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat

Pharmacokinetics

• Absorption: Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
• Distribution: Extensively distributed in the body, extensively bound to plasma proteins
• Metabolism: Metabolized primarily in the liver via CYP3A4 enzyme
• Excretion: Mainly excreted unchanged in urine

Precautions

• Caution in patients with a history of orthostatic hypotension
• Monitor for signs of hypotension especially at the initiation of therapy

Warnings

• Risk of hypotension, especially in the first few hours after dosing
• Cataract surgery caution due to intraoperative floppy iris syndrome

Others

• Alfuzosin should be taken with food to enhance bioavailability and tolerability