Alfusin 10mg (Alfuzosin)

Alfusin general information

What is Alfusin used for?

Alfusin tablets10mg are used to treat functional symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate gland, particularly if surgery is not indicated or possible, as prostate size alone does not correlate with symptom severity.  Alfusin tablets10mg relieves the symptoms of urinary retention caused by restricted urine flow as the prostate becomes enlarged and presses against the urethra (urine outlet tube from the bladder).  By reducing the pressure on the urethra, Alfusin tablets10mg helps urine to flow more easily, preventing urine backlog in the bladder and restoring bladder control.  This relieves symptoms like need for frequent urination, inability to empty the bladder, strain and difficulty passing urine.  The improved urine flow and reduction in symptoms may reduce the need for surgery. 

How does Alfusin work?

Alfusin tablets10mg contain alfuzosin, an alpha₁-blocker (also known as alpha-adrenergic antagonist), that binds selectively to the alpha adrenergic receptor in smooth muscle found in the prostate gland and in blood vessel walls.  Alfuzosin in Alfusin tablets10mg blocks the action of naturally occurring adrenergic chemicals like noradrenaline, a chemical that causes smooth muscle cells to contract and tighten.  Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is due to overgrowth of the smooth muscle cells within the prostate gland and increased muscle tone of these cells.  Smooth muscle tone in the prostate and its capsule is regulated by alpha-adrenergic receptors.  Alfuzosin in Alfusin tablets10mg binds to these alpha adrenergic receptor and this causes the smooth muscle cells to relax, which relieves the pressure exerted by the enlarged prostate gland on the urethra (urine outlet tube from the bladder); and also causes muscle cells in the neck of the bladder to relax.  The action of alfuzosin in Alfusin tablets10mg removes the blockage to urine flow caused by the enlarged prostate gland and allows urine to flow more freely through the urethra; it also relaxes the bladder neck, allowing urine to pass out of the bladder more easily. 

What does Alfusin contain?

Alfusin tablets10mg contain the active ingredient alfuzosin, an alpha₁-blocker used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). 

Treating Treating urinary symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with Alfusin

Alfusin tablets 10mg contain alfuzosin, an alpha-blocker used to treat functional symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate gland.  BPH is due to overgrowth of the smooth muscle cells within the prostate gland and increased muscle tone of these cells.  Smooth muscle tone in the prostate and its capsule is regulated by alpha-adrenergic receptors.  Alfuzosin in Alfusin tablets 10mg binds to these alpha adrenergic receptor and this causes the smooth muscle cells to relax relaxes, which relieves the pressure exerted by the enlarged prostate gland on the urethra (urine outlet tube from the bladder); and also causes muscle cells in the neck of the bladder to relax.  The action of alfuzosin in Alfusin tablets 10mg removes the blockage to urine flow caused by the enlarged prostate gland and allows urine to flow more freely through the urethra; it also relaxes the bladder neck, allowing urine to pass out of the bladder more easily.  This relieves symptoms like need for frequent urination, inability to empty the bladder, strain and difficulty passing urine.  The improved urine flow and reduction in symptoms may reduce the need for surgery. 

What are the side effects of Alfusin?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Alfusin tablets 10mg include, asthenia (physical weakness), dizziness, postural hypotension (dizziness when standing up due to sudden drop in blood pressure), syncope (fainting), fatigue, upper respiratory infection, headache, nausea. 

When should Alfusin not be used?

You should not use Alfusin tablets 10mg if you:

• are allergic to alfuzosin or any ingredients in Alfusin
• have liver disease
• are having cataract surgery
• are taking medicines that interact with Alfusin including: the antifungals ketoconazole and itraconazole, ritonavir for HIV, phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors like sildenafil for erectile dysfunction

What medications interact with Alfusin?

Several medications interact with Alfusin tablets 10mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Alfusin or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Alfusin: phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors like sildenafil for erectile dysfunction
• Drugs that affect Alfusin: the antifungals ketoconazole and itraconazole, ritonavir for HIV,

How should Alfusin be taken?

You should take your Alfusin tablets 10mg swallowed whole with a glass of water once daily after a meal at the same time each day.  You should take your Alfusin tablets 10mg at bedtime, as you may feel dizzy, particularly when first starting your medication.  You should continue to take your Alfusin tablets 10mg for as long as recommended by your doctor.  

How long should you take Alfusin?

You should continue to take your Alfusin tablets 10mg for as long as recommended by your doctor.  

Missed dose of Alfusin

If you miss a dose of Alfusin tablets 10mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Alfusin be stored?

You should store your Alfusin tablets 10mg  below 210°C in a cool dry place.