Alfuzosin
Alfuzosin XL
Alfuzosin XL is a prescription medication used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in adult men. As an alpha-blocker, it relaxes muscles in the prostate and bladder, improving urine flow and reducing symptoms like frequent urination, weak stream, and difficulty starting or stopping urination. Available as a 10 mg extended-release tablet, it is taken once daily after a meal. While generally well tolerated, side effects may include dizziness, headaches, and low blood pressure. Regular monitoring and following your doctor’s guidance can help ensure safe and effective treatment for BPH symptoms.
Product Overview
Alfuzosin XL is a once-daily oral medication prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can cause urinary issues. As an alpha-blocker, Alfuzosin works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder, helping improve urine flow and reducing symptoms like urgency, weak stream, and nighttime urination. It comes as a 10 mg extended-release tablet that should be taken after a meal to enhance absorption and effectiveness.
Although Alfuzosin is generally well tolerated, some individuals may experience dizziness, headaches, fatigue, or a drop in blood pressure, particularly when standing. Rare but serious side effects include prolonged erections (priapism) and complications during cataract surgery (intraoperative floppy iris syndrome). Patients with liver disease, severe kidney conditions, or heart rhythm disorders should consult their doctor before use.
To minimize risks, avoid alcohol, excessive caffeine, and certain blood pressure or erectile dysfunction medications. Regular check-ups and blood pressure monitoring are recommended. Alfuzosin provides an effective option for managing BPH symptoms, improving quality of life with proper medical supervision.
What Is Alfuzosin XL Used For?
Alfuzosin XL is a prescription medication used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in adult men. This medication helps relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder, making it easier to urinate. It can help reduce symptoms such as:
- Weak urine stream
- Straining or pushing while urinating
- Feeling like your bladder isn’t empty after urinating
- Urgent need to urinate
- Waking up at night to urinate
- Frequent need to urinate
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
Your healthcare provider may also prescribe Alfuzosin for other conditions as needed.
What Strengths Does Alfuzosin XL Come In?
This medication comes in the form of oral extended-release tablet form and is available in a strength:
- Alfuzosin 10 mg tablet
What Is the Typical Dosage of Alfuzosin XL?
The dosage of Alfuzosin XL can vary depending on your specific condition and medical needs. Your doctor will determine the right dose for you, so it’s important to follow their instructions or the directions on your prescription label. The information below provides general guidelines, but if your prescribed dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor advises you to do so. The amount of medication you take will depend on several factors, including the strength of the drug, how often you need to take it, and how long your treatment lasts. Your doctor will make adjustments as needed to ensure you’re getting the most benefit from the medication while minimizing side effects.
Dosage for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
- Adults (18 years and older):
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- The recommended dose is 10 mg once per day.
- Take the medication at the same time each day, preferably after a meal.
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- Children (0–17 years):
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- Not recommended for use in children.
- This medication is specifically for adult men with BPH.
[Note: Remember, these recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]
How to Use Alfuzosin XL?
- Your doctor may test your prostate specific antigen (PSA) to check for prostate cancer before you take Alfuzosin.
- Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
- Take Alfuzosin just after a meal, at the same time each day. Do not take the medicine on an empty stomach.
- Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
- Alfuzosin lowers blood pressure and may cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you first start taking it. You may feel very dizzy when you first wake up. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.
- Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.
- Some things can cause your blood pressure to get too low. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea.
[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]
How Does Alfuzosin XL Work?
Alfuzosin XL is a medication that belongs to a group of drugs called alpha-blockers. It works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder, making it easier to urinate. This helps relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), such as difficulty starting urination, weak urine flow, or the frequent urge to go to the bathroom. While alpha-blockers affect different parts of the body, Alfuzosin XL is specifically designed to target the prostate and bladder. By focusing on these areas, the medication helps reduce urinary symptoms without significantly affecting other parts of the body.
What Are the Important Safety Information for Using Alfuzosin XL?
What Are the Side Effects of Alfuzosin XL?
Like any medication, Alfuzosin XL can cause mild or serious side effects. Some people may experience temporary and manageable side effects, while others may have more severe reactions. It’s important to be aware of how your body responds to the medication. If you notice any unusual symptoms or if a side effect becomes bothersome, reach out to your doctor or pharmacist. They can guide you on how to manage side effects or adjust your treatment if needed. Keep in mind that this list does not include all possible side effects, so regular check-ins with your healthcare provider are always a good idea.
Common Side Effects of Alfuzosin XL
Like many medications, Alfuzosin XL can cause some side effects, but they are usually mild and temporary. Most people experience them for just a few days to weeks as their body adjusts to the medication. However, if these effects persist, worsen, or become bothersome, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Here are some common side effects you might notice:
- Dizziness: You may feel lightheaded, especially when standing up quickly. This happens because Alfuzosin can lower blood pressure. Try standing up slowly to avoid sudden dizziness.
- Headache: Some people may experience mild to moderate headaches, which should ease as your body gets used to the medication.
- Tiredness: You might feel more fatigued than usual. This is because the medication relaxes certain muscles, which can also make you feel sluggish.
If any of these side effects bother you or do not go away, let your healthcare provider know.
Serious Side Effects of Alfuzosin XL
While Alfuzosin XL is generally well-tolerated, it can sometimes cause serious side effects. Although these are rare, it’s important to be aware of them. If you experience any of the following, contact your doctor immediately. If you feel that your symptoms are severe or life-threatening, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Possible serious side effects of Alfuzosin may include:
- Sudden Drop in Blood Pressure: This can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded, especially when you stand up too quickly. In some cases, it may even cause you to faint. To minimize the risk, try getting up slowly from a sitting or lying position.
- Fainting or Unconsciousness: If you suddenly lose consciousness, seek medical attention immediately. This could be a sign that your blood pressure has dropped too low.
- Prolonged Erection (Priapism): This is when an erection lasts for several hours and doesn’t go away, even without sexual activity. This is a medical emergency—if not treated quickly, it could cause permanent damage leading to future erection problems. Seek help right away.
If you notice any of these side effects, do not ignore them. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical help immediately.
[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]
Are There Any Warnings for Alfuzosin XL?
Before taking Alfuzosin XL, it’s important to be aware of certain warnings that may affect your health. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting the medication.
- Allergy Warning: Some people may have a severe allergic reaction to Alfuzosin. If you experience symptoms such as swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, difficulty breathing, or a severe rash, seek emergency medical help right away. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to this drug before, do not take it again, as it could be life-threatening.
- Liver Problems: If you have moderate to severe liver disease, you should not take Alfuzosin. When the liver isn’t working properly, the drug may stay in your system longer, increasing your risk of side effects.
- Blood Pressure Warning: Alfuzosin may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when standing up from a sitting or lying position. This can make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or even faint. To reduce this risk, get up slowly and avoid driving or using heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you. If dizziness persists, lie down with your legs elevated and call your doctor.
- Chest Pain Warning: Alfuzosin can sometimes cause serious heart-related side effects. If you experience sharp or squeezing chest pain (angina), pain spreading to your arms, neck, or back, trouble breathing, sweating, or dizziness, stop taking Alfuzosin and seek medical attention immediately. These could be signs of a serious heart condition that needs urgent care.
Warnings for Specific Groups of People
It’s important to know how Alfuzosin XL may affect people with certain health conditions. If you fall into any of the categories below, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication.
- For people with kidney problems: If you have severe kidney disease, use Alfuzosin with caution. When the kidneys don’t work properly, the drug may stay in your body longer than usual, increasing the risk of side effects.
- For people with heart rhythm problems: If you have a heart condition called QT prolongation or take medications that affect your QT interval, be careful with Alfuzosin. It’s unclear how the drug may impact your heart rhythm, so your doctor will monitor you closely.
- For people with prostate cancer: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer can have similar symptoms, but they require different treatments. Your doctor will likely examine your prostate gland and run a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to rule out cancer before prescribing Alfuzosin.
- For people having cataract surgery: If you’ve ever taken Alfuzosin, you may be at higher risk for a complication called intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) during cataract surgery. Tell your eye doctor before your procedure. They may need to adjust their technique to reduce risks. Stopping Alfuzosin before surgery may not necessarily prevent this issue.
- For pregnant women: Alfuzosin is only meant for men and is not used in women. There is no research on how it affects pregnant women.
- For women who are breastfeeding: Alfuzosin is not for women. It is prescribed only to men for treating BPH.
- For seniors (ages 65 and older): Alfuzosin is safe and effective for seniors, but older adults may have trouble clearing the drug from their system. This could increase side effects, so your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.
- For children: Alfuzosin should not be used in children. It is only approved for use in adult men with BPH.
What Are the Alfuzosin XL Precautions?
Before taking Alfuzosin XL, it’s important to understand how it may affect your body and daily activities. Below are some key precautions to keep in mind.
- Avoid driving or risky activities: Until you know how Alfuzosin affects you, avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or any hazardous tasks. The medication may slow your reaction time.
- Alcohol and Alfuzosin don’t mix well: Drinking alcohol while taking Alfuzosin may increase side effects, such as dizziness and lightheadedness. It’s best to limit or avoid alcohol.
- Regular checkups are important: Your doctor will monitor your progress through regular checkups to ensure Alfuzosin is working effectively and to check for any unwanted side effects.
- Avoid certain medications: Do not take Alfuzosin if you are also using ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), or ritonavir (Norvir), as these medications can interfere with how Alfuzosin works.
- Be careful when standing up: Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may happen, especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position. To reduce this risk, stand up slowly. If you feel dizzy, lie down until it passes. Then sit for a few minutes before standing again.
- Watch out for dizziness and alertness issues: Some people may feel unusually dizzy or less alert while taking Alfuzosin. If this happens, avoid driving or engaging in tasks that require full concentration until you feel normal.
- Inform your eye doctor before cataract surgery: If you’re planning cataract surgery, let your eye doctor know you’re using Alfuzosin. This medication can cause Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS), a condition that may make surgery more complicated.
- Seek help for prolonged erections: A prolonged erection (priapism) is a rare but serious side effect of Alfuzosin. If you experience an erection that lasts too long and doesn’t go away, call your doctor immediately. If left untreated, it may cause permanent erectile dysfunction.
- Pay attention to heart-related symptoms: Call your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as chest pain, tightness, irregular heartbeat, pain in the arms or jaw, nausea, sweating, or dizziness. These may be signs of a serious heart issue.
- BPH and prostate cancer share symptoms: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer can have similar symptoms. Your doctor may test for prostate cancer before prescribing Alfuzosin to rule out any serious conditions.
- Check with your doctor before taking other medications: Do not take other prescription or over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins without consulting your doctor. Some drugs may interact with Alfuzosin, leading to unexpected side effects.
What If You Miss a Dose of Alfuzosin XL?
If you forget to take Alfuzosin XL, don’t worry. Take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, just skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule.
Do not take two doses at once to make up for the missed dose—this could lead to serious side effects, such as a sudden drop in blood pressure or dizziness. If you’re unsure about what to do, reach out to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
[Note: If you have missed a dose of your medication and are unsure about when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]
What Happens If You Take Too Much of Alfuzosin XL?
Taking too much Alfuzosin XL can be dangerous and may cause:
- Low blood pressure, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Heart problems, which may cause an irregular heartbeat or other complications
- Shock, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention
If you think you have taken more than the recommended dose, call your doctor right away or seek emergency medical help. Do not wait for symptoms to appear—getting prompt medical care is important.
[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away, or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]
How to Store Alfuzosin XL?
Storing Alfuzosin XL properly helps maintain its effectiveness and safety. Here’s what you need to do:
- Temperature: Keep Alfuzosin XL at a temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).
- Keep It in a Closed Container: Store the medicine in its original container with the lid closed tightly.
- Protect from Heat, Moisture, and Light: Keep the medication away from direct sunlight, humidity, and high temperatures to prevent it from losing effectiveness.
- Do Not Freeze: Never freeze Alfuzosin XL, as extreme cold can affect the medication.
- Keep Out of Reach of Children: Store it in a safe place where children or pets cannot access it.
- Dispose of Unused or Expired Medication: Do not keep outdated medicine or medication you no longer need. If you’re unsure how to dispose of it properly, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for guidance.
[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]
What Medications Interact with Alfuzosin XL?
Alfuzosin XL can interact with certain medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements you may be taking. When two substances interact, they can change how the drug works, reduce its effectiveness, or increase the risk of side effects.
To avoid these issues, always inform your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, or supplements you take. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you understand potential interactions and ensure safe use of Alfuzosin XL.
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- BPH and Blood Pressure Medications: Avoid taking Alfuzosin XL with other alpha-blockers because they work in a similar way and may increase the risk of low blood pressure or dizziness. Examples include:
- Doxazosin
- Prazosin
- Silodosin
- Tamsulosin
- Terazosin
- Blood Pressure Medications: Taking blood pressure drugs with Alfuzosin XL can further lower your blood pressure, causing dizziness, fainting, or weakness. Some of these medications include:
- BPH and Blood Pressure Medications: Avoid taking Alfuzosin XL with other alpha-blockers because they work in a similar way and may increase the risk of low blood pressure or dizziness. Examples include:
- ACE inhibitors (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitors)
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- Benazepril
- Lisinopril
- Enalapril
- Fosinopril
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- Aldosterone antagonists
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- Spironolactone
- Eplerenone
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- ARBs (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers)
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- Losartan
- Candesartan
- Olmesartan
- Telmisartan
- Valsartan
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- Nitrates (used for heart conditions)
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- Isosorbide mononitrate
- Isosorbide dinitrate
- Nitroglycerin transdermal patch
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- Calcium channel blockers
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- Amlodipine
- Nifedipine
- Nicardipine
- Diltiazem
- Verapamil
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- Beta-blockers
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- Atenolol
- Bisoprolol
- Metoprolol
- Propranolol
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- Centrally acting adrenergic agents
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- Clonidine
- Guanfacine
- Methyldopa
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- Diuretics (Water pills)
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- Amiloride
- Chlorthalidone
- Furosemide
- Metolazone
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- Direct renin inhibitors
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- Aliskiren
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- Vasodilators (medications that widen blood vessels)
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- Hydralazine
- Minoxidil
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- Erectile Dysfunction and Pulmonary Hypertension Drugs: Certain medications used for erectile dysfunction (ED) and pulmonary hypertension can interact with Alfuzosin XL. These drugs belong to a group called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors and help relax blood vessels. However, taking them with Alfuzosin XL may cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness, fainting, or weakness. Examples of these medications include:
- Avanafil
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
- Vardenafil (Levitra)
- Drugs That Affect How Your Liver Processes Alfuzosin XL: Your liver processes Alfuzosin XL using an enzyme called CYP3A4. Some medications block this enzyme, which can cause too much Alfuzosin to stay in your body. This increases the risk of side effects, such as low blood pressure or dizziness. For this reason, Alfuzosin XL should not be used with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Examples of these medications include:
- Ketoconazole (used to treat fungal infections)
- Itraconazole (another antifungal medication)
- Ritonavir (used for HIV treatment)
What Are the Other Alfuzosin XL Interactions?
Some medicines may not work well when taken with certain foods, drinks, or substances like alcohol or tobacco. These interactions can affect how the drug works or increase the risk of side effects. Below are some important things to be aware of when taking Alfuzosin XL.
Medical Conditions That May Affect Alfuzosin XL: If you have any of the following health conditions, talk to your doctor before taking Alfuzosin XL, as it may worsen your symptoms or increase risks:
- Angina (chest pain) – Alfuzosin may worsen chest pain in some people.
- Heart rhythm problems (e.g., QT prolongation) – This drug may affect your heart’s electrical activity, which could make existing heart rhythm problems worse.
- Postural hypotension (low blood pressure when standing up) – Alfuzosin can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness or fainting.
- High blood pressure (hypertension) – Use with caution, as Alfuzosin may interact with other blood pressure medications.
- Moderate or severe liver disease – Do not use Alfuzosin if you have moderate or severe liver disease, as your liver may not be able to process the medication properly.
- Severe kidney disease – Use with caution, as kidney problems may cause higher levels of the drug to stay in your body, leading to stronger side effects.
- Mild liver disease – If you have mild liver disease, your doctor may need to monitor you closely or adjust your dose.
Food and Drink Interactions
- Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice – This can increase the levels of Alfuzosin in your blood, making side effects more likely.
- Limit alcohol – Drinking alcohol while taking Alfuzosin can make you feel faint, lightheaded, or dizzy.
- Reduce caffeine – Caffeine, found in tea, coffee, and cola, may worsen symptoms like dizziness or an irregular heartbeat. Cutting back on caffeine may help reduce these effects.
What You Should Do
- Tell your doctor about any medical conditions before starting Alfuzosin XL.
- Avoid or limit foods and drinks that could interact with the medication.
- Be cautious with alcohol and caffeine to minimize side effects.
[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Alfuzosin XL. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]
What Are the Alfuzosin XL Alternatives?
While Alfuzosin is effective for many men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), it may not be the right choice for everyone. Some people may need an alternative due to cost, side effects, or allergies to certain ingredients. BPH can be a frustrating condition, but there are many other medications that can help. Your doctor will choose the best option based on your health, lifestyle, and medical history.
- Rapaflo (silodosin)
- Flomax (tamsulosin)
- Cialis (tadalafil)
- Dutasteride
- Proscar (finasteride)
- Avodart (dutasteride)
- Tamsulosin
- Silodosin
- Uroxatral (Alfuzosin)
- Doxazosin
- Cardura (doxazosin)
- Finasteride
- Jalyn (dutasteride and tamsulosin)
- Terazosin
- Tadalafil
[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Alfuzosin make you pee more?
Alfuzosin helps relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder opening, making it easier to urinate. This can help increase urine flow and reduce symptoms like difficulty starting or stopping urination. However, it’s important to note that Alfuzosin does not shrink the prostate itself—it simply makes it easier for urine to pass.
Can I take Viagra while on Alfuzosin?
Taking Viagra (or similar medications for erectile dysfunction) while on Alfuzosin can lower your blood pressure. Your doctor may adjust your dose or monitor your blood pressure more closely to ensure both medications can be used safely together. Always consult your doctor before combining these drugs.
Is Alfuzosin bad for your heart?
In some cases, Alfuzosin can cause heart-related side effects, including chest pain (angina). If you experience new or worsening chest pain, tightness, or discomfort, stop taking Alfuzosin immediately and seek medical help. If the pain spreads to your arms, neck, or jaw, or if you feel dizzy, sweaty, or short of breath, call 911 or emergency services right away.
Does Alfuzosin lower PSA?
Alfuzosin does not directly affect PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels in prostate cancer patients. However, studies suggest that in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Alfuzosin may slightly lower PSA levels. Since PSA levels can indicate prostate health, it’s important to regularly monitor them with your doctor, especially if there are concerns about prostate cancer.
Is Alfuzosin linked to dementia?
Some studies have suggested that Alfuzosin and similar medications (like tamsulosin) may be linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The research is still ongoing, and the exact connection isn’t fully understood. If you’re concerned about cognitive health while taking Alfuzosin, speak with your doctor about your risks and possible alternatives.
Do you have to take Alfuzosin forever?
Alfuzosin is safe for long-term use in treating urinary symptoms caused by BPH, but you should only take it under your doctor’s supervision. Since BPH is a chronic condition, many men take Alfuzosin for years to manage their symptoms. Your doctor may adjust or stop the medication based on your response and health condition.
Can you take ibuprofen with Alfuzosin?
Taking ibuprofen with Alfuzosin may reduce the effectiveness of Alfuzosin because NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) can interfere with how it works. While it’s generally safe to use them together, it’s best to talk to your doctor if you need ibuprofen for pain or inflammation. They may suggest an alternative pain reliever that won’t affect your medication.
Can I drink coffee while taking Alfuzosin?
Caffeine (found in coffee, tea, and cola) can sometimes make BPH symptoms worse, like frequent urination or urgency. Alcohol can also increase the chances of feeling dizzy or lightheaded while taking Alfuzosin. If you’re sensitive to caffeine or experience side effects, try reducing or limiting your coffee intake and see if it helps.
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