Uroxatral, also known as alfuzosin, is a prescription drug used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is an enlargement of the prostate gland that often occurs as men get older. Because this condition can cause urinary urgency, frequent urination and a weak urine stream, it may require treatment with medication. While Uroxatral can effectively control the symptoms of BPH, it can also cause several side effects.
Clinical Trial Side Effects
Several adverse events occurred in greater than 2 percent of patients treated with Uroxatral during clinical studies. According to Drugs.com, dizziness was the most common adverse event. It occurred in 5.7 percent of patients receiving Uroxatral compared with 2.8 percent of patients receiving a placebo. Upper respiratory tract infection occurred in 3 percent of patients receiving Uroxatral, while only 0.6 percent of patients receiving a placebo experienced this adverse event. Patients receiving Uroxatral also experienced headache and fatigue. Adverse events that occurred at a rate of 1 to 2 percent in patients receiving Uroxatral include pain, indigestion, nausea, constipation, abdominal pain, impotence, sinusitis, pharyngitis and bronchitis.
Post-Marketing Side Effects
Post-marketing side effects are adverse events that are identified after the drug has already been approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Several post-marketing side effects have been identified for Uroxatral. They include swelling, fast heartbeat, chest pain, diarrhea, cholestatic liver injury, rhinitis, rash, itching, swelling of the blood vessels, flushing and prolonged and painful erection. Post-marketing side effects are reported voluntarily, so it is difficult to determine how often they occur.
Drug Interactions
Uroxatral can interact with other medications and cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Because this drug is a selective alpha-blocker, it should not be used with other alpha-blockers. Serious interactions can occur if Uroxatral is taken with drugs that affect liver enzymes that remove the drug from the body. These drugs include macrolide antibiotics, rifamycins, St. John's wort and some anti-seizure and anti-fungal medications. Tell your doctor if you are taking medication for high blood pressure or erectile dysfunction, as Uroxatral can interact with those drugs.
Allergic Reaction
While severe allergic reactions to Uroxatral are rare, they have been reported. Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to this drug include hives, itching, rash, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing and swelling of the face, lips, mouth and tongue. If any of these signs and symptoms occur, seek emergency medical attention.
