Alfuzosin modified-release tablets
- Drugs List
- Therapeutic Indications
- Dosage
- Contraindications
- Precautions and Warnings
- Side Effects
- Monograph
Presentation
Modified-release tablets containing alfuzosin hydrochloride.
Drugs List
Therapeutic Indications
Uses
Acute urinary retention: adjunct to catheterisation in pts aged > 65 years
Urinary obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia
Dosage
Adults
Treatment of the functional symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy.
One 10mg modified-release tablet once daily.
Elderly
Treatment of the functional symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy.
One 10mg modified-release tablet once daily.
Over 65 years old: Treatment of acute urinary retention related to benign prostatic hypertrophy
One 10mg modified-release tablet to be taken once daily.
The first dose should be given from the first day of catheterisation. The treatment should continue for 3 - 4 days (2 - 3 days during catheterisation and 1 day following the removal of the catheter).
No benefit has been established when treatment exceeds 4 days.
Contraindications
Children under 16 years
Micturition syncope
Hepatic impairment
History of postural hypotension
Long QT syndrome
Torsade de pointes
Precautions and Warnings
Family history of long QT syndrome
Acute cardiac failure
Cerebrovascular disorder
Electrolyte imbalance
Galactosaemia
Glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome
History of torsade de pointes
Hypertension
Lactose intolerance
Peri-operative period in cataract surgery
Renal impairment - creatinine clearance below 30 ml/minute
Correct electrolyte disorders before treatment
Advise ability to drive/operate machinery may be affected by side effects
Not all available brands are licensed for all indications
Some formulations contain castor oil polyoxyl which may cause diarrhoea
Some formulations contain lactose
First dose should be taken at bed-time
Consider monitoring ECG in patients at risk of QT prolongation
Monitor blood pressure in hypertensive patients
Monitor serum electrolytes
Advise patient that postural hypotension may occur
Advise patient to sit or lie down at first signs of orthostatic hypotension
Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome has been reported in cataract surgery
Seek immediate medical attention if priapism occurs
Discontinue treatment 24 hours prior to surgery
Discontinue treatment if angina appears or worsens
Advise patient grapefruit products may increase plasma level
Counselling
Advise patients that the tablets should be swallowed whole and taken after food. The tablets should not be crunched, crushed, chewed, or ground to powder as this may lead to inappropriate release of alfuzosin and consequently early adverse effects.
The first dose should be given just before bedtime due to the potential first dose hypotensive effect.
Postural hypotension (with or without symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue and sweating) may occur within a few hours of administration. Warn the patient that this effect may occur and advise them that, if affected, they should lie down until symptoms have completely resolved.
Advise patients that if affected by such symptoms, they should not drive or perform skilled tasks until the symptoms have resolved.
Advise patient to avoid grapefruit products.
Side Effects
Abdominal pain
Abnormal vision
Aggravation of angina
Angina pectoris
Angioedema
Asthenia
Atrial fibrillation
Chest pain
Cholestatic liver changes
Diarrhoea
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Dyspepsia
Erectile disturbance
Faintness
Flushing
Headache
Hepatocellular damage
Hypersensitivity reactions
Hypotension
Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome
Malaise
Nausea
Neutropenia
Oedema
Palpitations
Postural hypotension
Priapism
Pruritus
Rash
Recurrent ischaemia/angina
Rhinitis
Syncope
Tachycardia
Thrombocytopenia
Urticaria
Vertigo
Vomiting
Overdosage
It is strongly recommended that the UK National Poisons Information Service be consulted on cases of suspected or actual overdose where there is doubt over the degree of risk or about appropriate management.
The following number will direct the caller to the relevant local centre (0844) 892 0111
Information may be obtained if you have access to ToxBase the primary clinical toxicology database of the National Poisons Information Service. This is available via password on the internet ( www.toxbase.org ) or if this is unavailable at the backup site ( www.toxbasebackup.org ).
Further Information
Last full review date: February 2018
Reference Sources
Summary of Product Characteristics: Besavar XL 10mg tablets. Winthrop Pharmaceuticals UK Limited. Revised June 2017.
Summary of Product Characteristics: Vasran XL 10mg tablets. Ranbaxy. Revised July 2016.
Summary of Product Characteristics: Xatral XL 10mg. Sanofi-Aventis. Revised June 2017.
Summary of Product Characteristics: Zochek 10mg prolonged release tablets. Aurobindo Pharma. Revised October 2015.
Medscape UK | Univadis prescription drug monographs & interactions are based on FDB Multilex Content
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