Introduction
Benign prostatic enlargement (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that occurs with advancing age. Since the lower urinary tract (Urethra) passes through the prostate, this enlargement usually causes some degree of obstruction, with symptoms of poor urinary stream; painful and difficult urine passage; dribbling of urine; frequent, often nocturnal urine passage; and incomplete emptying of the bladder. This accounts for an estimated 4 million hospital visits per year in the U.S.
Uroxatral (also known as Alfuzosin Hydrochloride) is FDA approved for use in BPH to improve urinary stream and reduce complications. It is a slow release formulation, taken orally, just once a day.
How Uroxatral Works
The symptoms of prostatic enlargement are due, on one hand, to the enlarged prostate gland squeezing on the urethra and, on the other hand, to an increased muscle tone in the bladder neck, prostate and urethra. This increased muscular tone is mediated by nerves in these areas, via peculiar receptors that are found in the base and neck of the bladder, the urethra, the prostate and the capsule of the prostate.
Uroxatral is a selective receptor blocker. By blocking these receptors, Uroxatral removes the muscle tone in the bladder, urethra and prostate, leading to their relaxation and improved urinary flow.
Clinical Effects of Uroxatral (Alfuzosin)
Patients on Uroxatral report improvements in symptoms with increased ease of urination, reduced nighttime and daytime frequency of urination, and improved urine stream. The improved emptying also affords the patient extra confidence and availability for normal day-to-day activities. Medical complications that result from poor bladder emptying, like infections and kidney disease, are also reduced.
Side Effects of Uroxatral
Usual side effects include dizziness, weakness, headaches and ejaculatory dysfunction. Other side effects include body pains, cough, runny nose, constipation, abdominal discomfort and chest pains.
Uroxatral can increase the actions of certain medications like those used to lower blood pressure. It is important, therefore, to let the prescribing physician know what other drugs you are taking before commencing Uroxatral. There can be very low blood pressure readings with possible blackouts on standing up suddenly.
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