Brand Name
Xatral
Common Name
alfuzosin
In this drug factsheet:
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- back pain
- constipation
- decreased sexual drive or performance
- dizziness
- fainting or lightheadedness, especially when rising from a sitting or lying down position
- fatigue or weakness
- headache
- indigestion
- nausea
- runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, or coughing
Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- abdominal pain
- chest pain
- joint pain or worsening of arthritis
- racing heart rate
- rash
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Angina: Alfuzosin may cause increased heart rate or decreased blood pressure, which may affect control of angina symptoms. People with angina (chest pain) should stop using this medication if their symptoms reappear or become worse.
Orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure upon arising): Alfuzosin can cause orthostatic hypotension, leading to dizziness or fainting when rising from a sitting or lying down position. If you feel faint or dizzy when getting up, lie down until the symptoms pass. This effect often goes away as treatment with alfuzosin is continued. People with orthostatic hypotension should use caution while taking alfuzosin, as it may worsen their condition.
Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer and BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) cause many of the same symptoms. These two diseases frequently coexist. Before starting alfuzosin therapy, an evaluation should take place to rule out prostate cancer.
Women: Alfuzosin is not recommended for use by women.
Children: Alfuzosin is not recommended for use by children.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between alfuzosin and any of the following:
- "azole" antifungal medications (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole)
- diltiazem
- medications used for erectile dysfunction (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil)
- medications used to lower blood pressure
- other alpha-1-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin, doxazosin, terazosin)
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
