Uroxatral (generic name: alfuzosin) is a medication used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (a condition of an enlarged prostate gland) symptoms such as difficult and frequent urination. It belongs to the group of medicines called alpha blockers, and it works to relax your prostate and bladder muscles to allow for better urination. According to the National Library of Medicine, the typical dose for Uroxatral is 10 mg daily.
Routine Side Effects
In a placebo-controlled clinical trial of 473 patients receiving Uroxatral, the National Library of Medicine says that 5.7 percent experienced dizziness, 3 percent had an upper respiratory infection and a headache, and 2.7 percent experienced fatigue. Drugs.com says that other prevalent side effects are a runny nose, sore throat, cough, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation and drowsiness. It can cause warmth, redness underneath your skin, heartburn and impotence. Get your doctor's help if these side effects last longer than 2 days.
Serious Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, Uroxatral can cause such harmful side effects as trouble breathing, dysphagia (trouble swallowing), chest pain and fainting. It may cause a rash, hoarseness, and edema (swelling) of your face, lips, eyes, throat and legs. Drugs.com says that Uroxatral can cause a fever, dark-colored urine, yellowing of your skin and eyes, and priapism (an erection that last for more than 4 hours). Call 911, as all these symptoms may be life-threatening.
According to the National Library of Medicine, Uroxatral can cause postural hypotension (a condition in which you have low blood pressure when you change positions) after 3 to 4 hours of Uroxatral use. This can increase your chances of having a syncopal (fainting) episode.
Other Concerns
According to the National Library of Medicine, do not use Uroxatral if you have liver damage. This condition may cause increased Uroxatral levels in your blood and it can cause the aforementioned side effects.
You should avoid combining Uroxatral with such medications as itracanozale, ritonavir or itraconazole. These medications can also increase the levels of Uroxatral in your blood and cause the previously mentioned side effects.
