Alfuzosin - oral

Alfuzosin is used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlargement of the prostate).

This medicine helps relieve symptoms of prostate enlargement such as difficulty in passing urine, slow or interrupted flow of urine, frequent urination and dribbling after passing urine.

Alfuzosin may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.

Take Alfuzosin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Take this medicine immediately after meal. Swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Alfuzosin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have severe liver disease as this medicine may not be suitable for you.

Do not take Alfuzosin with medicines used to treat fungal infections and medicines for HIV. Please see the section “Can I take this with other medicines?” below for more information.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions;

• prostate cancer
• kidney disease
• heart rhythm disorder
• chest pain

If you are going for an operation such as cataract surgery, inform your doctor that you are taking Alfuzosin.

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

Alfuzosin may cause any of the following side effects: headache, tiredness, nausea, stomach pain and diarrhoea.

You may also feel dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying down position, especially if you are taking this medicine for the very first time. This is common and should improve gradually as you get used to this medicine. It will help if you get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position. If you are taking this medicine for the very first time, take the first dose of Alfuzosin at bedtime to minimise dizziness.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• chest pain or worsening of chest pain
• fainting

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Do not take Alfuzosin with medicines used to treat fungal infections (e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole) and medicines for HIV (e.g. ritonavir).

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking medicines for heart disease or high blood pressure e.g. atenolol, diltiazem, isosorbide dinitrate.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.