Alfuzosin
(vial contains 8.8 mg somatropin, 60.2 mg sucrose and 2.05 mg O-phosphoric acid )

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generic name: alfuzosin

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM
Alfuzosin belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-blockers. It is used for increasing the flow of urine that is reduced by benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Alpha blockers relax the muscles in the prostate gland and the neck of the bladder. This allows the urethra (the tube that conducts urine out of the bladder) to open wider so that urine flows more easily. Other medicines in this class include terazosin (Hytrin), prazosin (Minipress), doxazosin (Cardura), and tamsulosin (Flomax).

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

PREPARATIONS: Extended release tablet, 10 mg.

PRESCRIBED FOR
Alfuzosin is used in adult men to treat slow urination in BPH. Most men experience an improvement in urination in 2 to 3 weeks.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: drugs which affect certain liver enzymes (CYP 3A4 substrates, inhibitors and inducers such as azole antifungals-ketoconazole/itraconazole, macrolide antibiotics-erythromycin/clarithromycin, cimetidine, rifamycins-rifampin, St John's wort, ritonavir, certain anti-seizure medications). If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting alfuzosin. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other medications which lower blood pressure (e.g., atenolol, diltiazem). Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

DOSING
Alfuzosin is taken once daily, immediately after the same meal each day.

OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: fainting, irregular heartbeat.

USES
Alfuzosin is used to treat a condition of the prostate gland called BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or "enlarged prostate". It blocks the chemicals in the body that affect the prostate gland. BPH can block the flow of urine out of the bladder and may cause painful and/or difficult urination.

HOW TO USE
Take this medication by mouth usually once daily after a meal; or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not crush or chew this medication; swallow this medication whole. To avoid injuries such as a fall, take your first dose(s) of alfuzosin at bedtime until your body adjusts to the effect of the medicine. Also, any time the dosage of this drug is changed, take your first new dose at bedtime.

SIDE EFFECTS
Dizziness/lightheadedness or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Promptly tell your doctor if decreased sexual ability occurs. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: unusual fatigue/weakness, joint pain, trouble breathing, stomach/abdominal pain, back pain. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusually fast heartbeat, chest pain. Males - though it is unlikely to occur, if you get a painful, prolonged erection, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE
Store the U.S. product at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store the Canadian product at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, cancer or other prostate gland problems, heart problems, kidney disease, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication is not recommended for use in children. This medication is not recommended for use in women. If it is used in women for any unapproved indications, it should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.


Note : This product information is intended only for residents of the India. Taj Pharmaceuticals Limited, medicines help to treat and prevent a range of conditions—from the most common to the most challenging—for people around the world.