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Alfuzosin (Monograph)

Brand name: Uroxatral
Drug class: Selective alpha-1-Adrenergic Blocking Agents
VA class: HS900
Chemical name: N-[3-[(4-Amino-6,7-dimethoxy-2-quinazolinyl)methylamino]propyl]tetrahydro-2-furancarboxamide monohydrochloride
Molecular formula: C19H27N5O4•HCl
CAS number: 81403-68-1

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 22, 2024. Written by ASHP.

Introduction

α1-Adrenergic blocker; quinazoline derivative; structurally and pharmacologically related to prazosin.

Uses for Alfuzosin

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Reduction of urinary obstruction and relief of associated manifestations (e.g., hesitancy, interrupted or weak stream, sensation of incomplete bladder emptying or straining, urgency, nocturia) in patients with symptomatic BPH.

Although drug therapy usually is not as effective as surgical therapy, it may provide adequate symptomatic relief with fewer and less serious adverse effects compared with surgery.

May consider combined therapy with an α1-adrenergic blocker and 5α-reductase inhibitor for men with bothersome moderate to severe BPH and demonstrable prostatic enlargement. Has been more effective than therapy with either drug alone in preventing long-term BPH symptom progression. Men at risk for BPH progression are most likely to benefit from combination therapy.

Other Uses

Manufacturer states that alfuzosin should not be used for the treatment of hypertension.

Alfuzosin Dosage and Administration

Administration

Oral Administration

Administer orally once daily immediately after the same meal each day.

Do not chew or crush tablets.

Dosage

Available as alfuzosin hydrochloride; dosage is expressed in terms of the salt.

Adults

BPH
Oral

10 mg daily.

Cautions for Alfuzosin

Contraindications

Warnings/Precautions

Warnings

Postural Hypotension

Potential for postural hypotension, dizziness, or syncope.

Administer with caution in patients with symptomatic hypotension or those who have had a hypotensive response to other drugs.

General Precautions

Prostate Cancer

Exclude possibility of prostate cancer prior to initiation of therapy.

Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome

Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) observed during phacoemulsification cataract surgery in some patients currently receiving or previously treated with α1-adrenergic blocking agents.

If patient has received α1-adrenergic blockers, ophthalmologist should be prepared to modify the surgical technique (e.g., through use of iris hooks, iris dilator rings, or viscoelastic substances) to minimize complications of IFIS. There does not appear to be a benefit from discontinuing α1-blocker therapy prior to cataract surgery.

Coronary Insufficiency

If new or worsening symptoms of angina pectoris occur, discontinue therapy.

Congenital or Acquired QT-Interval Prolongation

Modest QT-interval prolongation possible.

Consider potential for QT-interval prolongation in patients with known history of QT-interval prolongation and/or in those receiving concomitant therapy with drugs known to prolong QT interval.

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Category B.

Not indicated for use in women.

Lactation

Not indicated for use in women.

Pediatric Use

Not indicated for use in children.

Geriatric Use

No substantial differences in safety and efficacy relative to younger adults.

Hepatic Impairment

Use not recommended in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment. Not studied in patients with mild hepatic impairment.

Renal Impairment

Use with caution in patients with severe renal impairment.

Common Adverse Effects

Dizziness, headache, fatigue, upper respiratory tract infection.

Drug Interactions

Extensively metabolized by CYP3A4.

Drugs Affecting Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes

Pharmacokinetic interaction with potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 (increased plasma alfuzosin concentrations). Concomitant use contraindicated.

Specific Drugs

Drug

Interaction

Comment

α1-Adrenergic blocking agents

Possible pharmacokinetic and pharmacologic interactions

Concomitant use not recommended

Atenolol

Increased plasma atenolol and alfuzosin concentrations; reductions in blood pressure and heart rate

Cimetidine

Increased plasma alfuzosin concentrations

Digoxin

Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely

Diltizem

Increased plasma alfuzosin concentrations

Hydrochlorothiazide

Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely

Hypotensive agents

Potential for hypotension

Itraconazole

Increased plasma alfuzosin concentrations

Concomitant use contraindicated

Ketoconazole

Increased plasma alfuzosin concentrations

Concomitant use contraindicated

Ritonavir

Increased plasma alfuzosin concentrations

Concomitant use contraindicated

Warfarin

Pharmacologic interaction unlikely

Alfuzosin Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Bioavailability

Absolute bioavailability of 49% following oral administration under fed conditions. Peak plasma concentration attained in about 8 hours.

Food

Food increases extent of absorption by 50%.

Distribution

Plasma Protein Binding

82–90%.

Elimination

Metabolism

Extensively metabolized in the liver via oxidation, O-demethylation, and/or N-dealkylation to form pharmacologically inactive metabolites.

CYP3A4 is the principal hepatic isoenzyme involved in the drug’s metabolism.

Elimination Route

Excreted in feces (69%) and urine (24%) as unchanged drug and metabolites.

Half-life

10 hours.

Special Populations

In patient with moderate to severe hepatic impairment, plasma alfuzosin concentrations are 3- to 4-fold higher than in healthy individuals; pharmacokinetics not studied in patients with mild hepatic impairment.

In patient with mild to severe renal impairment, AUC is 50% higher than in healthy individuals.

Stability

Storage

Oral

Tablets

25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C). Protect from moisture and light.

Actions

Advice to Patients

Preparations

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.

Alfuzosin Hydrochloride

Routes

Dosage Forms

Strengths

Brand Names

Manufacturer

Oral

Tablets, extended-release

10 mg

Uroxatral (with povidone)

Sanofi-Synthelabo

AHFS DI Essentials™. © Copyright 2024, Selected Revisions April 1, 2010. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.

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