Alfuzosin (alfuzosin HCl)

Alfuzosin is an alpha1-adrenergic blocking agent that exhibits selectivity for alpha1-adrenergic receptors in the lower urinary tract (e.g., bladder base, bladder neck, prostate, prostatic capsule, prostatic urethra).

Alfuzosin hydrochloride, a quinazoline-derivative alpha1-adrenergic blocking agent, is structurally and pharmacologically related to doxazosin, prazosin, and terazosin and pharmacologically related to tamsulosin. Alfuzosin is a non-subtype-specific alpha1-adrenergic blocking agent that exhibits selectivity for alpha1-adrenergic receptors in the lower urinary tract (e.g., bladder base, bladder neck, prostate, prostatic capsule, prostatic urethra). Blockade of these adrenoreceptors can cause relaxation of smooth muscle in the bladder neck and prostate, resulting in improvement in urine flow and a reduction in symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Such effects generally are achieved with alfuzosin hydrochloride dosages that do not have clinically important effects on blood pressure or heart rate.

Alfuzosin is extensively metabolized in the liver via oxidation, O-demethylation, and/or N-dealkylation, principally by the cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 3A4 isoenzyme, to form pharmacologically inactive metabolites. Alfuzosin is not an inhibitor of CYP isoenzymes 1A2, 2A6, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, or 3A4 nor an inducer of CYP isoenzymes 1A, 2A6, or 3A4.

USES: Alfuzosin is used by men to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia-BPH). It does not shrink the prostate, but it works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and the bladder. This helps to relieve symptoms of BPH such as difficulty in beginning the flow of urine, weak stream, and the need to urinate often or urgently (including during the middle of the night).

Alfuzosin belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha blockers. Do not use this medication to treat high blood pressure.

Generic name: alfuzosin HCl
Pronunciation: (al-FUE-zoe-sin)

The following indications are listed for Alfuzosin:

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia With Lower Urinary Tract Symptom

Also known as: Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, Symptomatic Bph, Symptomatic Prostatic Hypertrophy.

No ICD codes are available for this drug.