alfuzosin, Uroxatral, Xatral

 Indications

Management of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia

(BPH).

Action

Selectively blocks alpha1-adrenergic receptors in the

lower urinary tract to relax smooth muscle in the bladder

neck and prostate. Therapeutic Effects: Increased

urine flow and decreased symptoms of BPH.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: 49% absorbed following oral administration;

food enhances absorption.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism and Excretion: Mostly metabolized

by the liver (CYP3A4 enzyme system); 11% excreted

unchanged in urine.

Half-life: 10 hr.

TIME/ACTION PROFILE

ROUTE ONSET PEAK DURATION

PO-ER within hr 8 hr 24 hr

Contraindications/Precautions

Contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity; Moderate to

severe hepatic impairment; Potent inhibitors of the

CYP3A4 enzyme system; Concurrent use of other alphaadrenergic

blocking agents; Severe renal impairment;

Pedi: Children.

Use Cautiously in: Congenital or acquired QTc

prolongation or concurrent use of other drugs known

to prolong QTc; Mild hepatic impairment; Symptomatic

hypotension; Concurrent use of antihypertensive agents,

phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, or nitrates (qrisk

of postural hypotension); Previous hypotensive episode

with other medications; Geri: Consider age-related

changes in body mass and cardiac, renal, and hepatic

function when prescribing.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

CNS: dizziness, fatigue, headache. EENT: intraoperative

floppy iris syndrome. Derm: TOXIC EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS Resp: bronchitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis. CV:

postural hypotension. GI: abdominal pain, constipation,

dyspepsia, nausea. GU: erectile dysfunction, priapism.

Hemat: thrombocytopenia.

Interactions

Drug-Drug: Ketoconazole, itraconazole, and ritonavirpmetabolism

and significantlyqlevels and effects

(concurrent use contraindicated). Levels areqby

cimetidine, atenolol, and diltiazem. Mayqlevels

and effects of atenolol and diltiazem (monitor BP

and heart rate).qrisk of hypotension with antihypertensives,

nitrates, phosphodiesterase type

5 inhibitors (including sildenafil, tadalafil, and

vardenafil) and acute ingestion of alcohol.

Route/Dosage

PO (Adults): 10 mg once daily.

Availability (generic available)

Extended-release tablets: 10 mg.