Uroxatral (alfuzosin HCl) is a selective alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist specifically indicated for the treatment of signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This medication works by relaxing smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck, improving urine flow and reducing BPH-related voiding difficulties. Unlike non-selective alpha-blockers, Uroxatral demonstrates uroselectivity, meaning it primarily targets receptors in the genitourinary tract rather than vascular tissue. Clinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy in improving urinary symptoms, flow rates, and quality of life in men with BPH while maintaining a favorable safety profile.

Features

• Contains alfuzosin hydrochloride as the active pharmaceutical ingredient
• Extended-release tablet formulation for once-daily dosing
• Available in 10mg strength
• Selective alpha-1 adrenergic blockade with uroselective properties
• Designed for rapid onset of action with sustained effect
• FDA-approved for treatment of symptomatic BPH

Benefits

• Significantly improves urinary flow rate and reduces residual urine volume
• Provides relief from bothersome BPH symptoms including hesitancy, weak stream, and nocturia
• Reduces the risk of acute urinary retention and need for surgical intervention
• Uroselective action minimizes cardiovascular side effects compared to non-selective alpha-blockers
• Once-daily dosing regimen enhances patient compliance and convenience
• Demonstrated improvement in quality of life measures related to urinary symptoms

Common use

Uroxatral is primarily prescribed for the management of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia in adult men. The medication is indicated for patients experiencing moderate to severe urinary symptoms including urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia, incomplete bladder emptying, hesitancy, weak stream, and intermittent flow. It is particularly suitable for patients who require rapid symptom relief while minimizing cardiovascular effects. Uroxatral may be used as monotherapy or in combination with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors for patients with significantly enlarged prostates.

Dosage and direction

The recommended dosage of Uroxatral is 10 mg once daily, taken immediately after the same meal each day. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or divided. The medication should be taken at approximately the same time each day to maintain consistent plasma levels. Dosage adjustment is not typically required for elderly patients or those with renal impairment, but caution is advised in patients with hepatic impairment. Treatment response is usually evident within weeks, with maximal benefit achieved after several months of continuous therapy.

Precautions

Patients should be advised about the potential for orthostatic hypotension, particularly during initial treatment or dosage increases. Caution is recommended when driving or operating machinery until the individual response is known. Patients should avoid sudden position changes and rise slowly from sitting or lying positions. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is advised, especially in patients taking antihypertensive medications concurrently. Ophthalmologic examination is recommended in patients who experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances, as alpha-blockers have been associated with intraoperative floppy iris syndrome during cataract surgery.

Contraindications

Uroxatral is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to alfuzosin hydrochloride or any component of the formulation. It should not be used in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh categories B and C). Concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, or ritonavir is contraindicated. The medication is not indicated for use in women or children, and should be avoided in patients with a history of orthostatic hypotension or severe renal impairment.

Possible side effects

The most common adverse reactions include dizziness (6.3%), headache (3.2%), fatigue (3.0%), and upper respiratory tract infection (1.9%). Orthostatic hypotension occurs in approximately 0.6% of patients. Less frequent side effects may include palpitations, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, impotence, priapism (requiring immediate medical attention), syncope, and rhinitis. Postmarketing reports have included rare cases of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome, hepatitis, and angioedema. Most side effects are mild to moderate and often diminish with continued therapy.

Drug interaction

Uroxatral is primarily metabolized by CYP3A4 enzymes and exhibits significant interactions with CYP3A4 inhibitors. Concomitant use with antihypertensive agents, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, or other alpha-adrenergic blocking agents may potentiate hypotensive effects. Caution is advised with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors such as diltiazem, erythromycin, and verapamil. The medication may interact with atenolol, increasing alfuzosin exposure. No significant interactions have been observed with digoxin or warfarin, but monitoring is recommended when used concomitantly.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered on the same day, with food. If the missed dose is not remembered until the next day, the patient should skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Double doses should not be taken to make up for a missed dose. Patients should maintain the medication with food to ensure consistent absorption and minimize potential side effects.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include severe hypotension, cardiovascular collapse, and dizziness. Supportive care should be initiated, including maintaining adequate hydration and supine positioning. Vital signs should be monitored closely, and intravenous fluids or vasopressors may be administered if necessary. Dialysis is unlikely to be effective due to high protein binding. Symptomatic treatment should be provided based on clinical presentation, with particular attention to cardiovascular stability.

Storage

Uroxatral tablets should be stored at room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F) with excursions permitted between 15-30°C (59-86°F). The medication should be kept in its original container, protected from light and moisture. Tablets should not be stored in bathroom cabinets or other humid environments. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Properly discard any expired or unused medication according to local regulations.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Uroxatral is a prescription medication that should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Individual response to therapy may vary, and patients should consult their physician for personalized medical advice. The complete prescribing information should be reviewed before initiating therapy.

Reviews

Clinical studies have demonstrated that Uroxatral provides significant improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) with mean reductions of 4.6 points compared to placebo. Maximum urinary flow rate improvements average 2.3 mL/sec greater than placebo. Patients report meaningful quality of life improvements, particularly in reduction of nocturia and improvement in stream quality. The uroselective profile is frequently cited as advantageous compared to non-selective alpha-blockers, with lower incidence of cardiovascular side effects. Long-term studies show maintained efficacy over 12 months of treatment with consistent safety profile.