Alfuzosin is a tablet that helps treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It works by relaxing your prostate gland to help you pee more easily.
BPH is a common condition, especially in older men. It’s characterized by the enlargement of the prostate gland, which leads to urinary problems like frequent urination, a strong urge to urinate, and finding it hard to fully empty your bladder.
Although BPH doesn’t always need treatment, medications like Alfuzosin can help when your symptoms become hard to manage.
How does Alfuzosin work?
Alfuzosin is an alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist. This means it works by blocking certain receptors from influencing the toning of smooth muscles, resulting in urinary problems.[1]
By blocking these receptors, the smooth muscles in your prostate and bladder neck relax, helping to improve urine flow and reduce your symptoms.[1]
What doses of Alfuzosin are there?
Alfuzosin is available in one dose of 10 mg. It comes as an extended-release tablet, meaning it’s slowly released into your bloodstream, making it last longer.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on April 03, 2025. Next review due on April 03, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
AlfuzosinAlfuzosin hydrochloride
How to take Alfuzosin
Swallow one Alfuzosin tablet whole with water. Don’t crush or chew the tablets, as this will make them less effective.
It’s best to take Alfuzosin with a meal as this will help improve absorption.
Don’t stop taking Alfuzosin unless your doctor advises you to. Even if your symptoms improve, keep taking it. Stopping treatment can make your symptoms come back.
How long does Alfuzosin take to work?
Alfuzosin starts working within a few hours of taking it. The half life is nine hours, so it should stay effective all day. [1]
Although you might notice an improvement in some symptoms (like improved urine flow) within a few hours, it can take a few days or weeks to see the full benefit.
What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Alfuzosin?
Contact your local casualty department if you take more than the recommended amount.
You might get side effects like dizziness or weakness. In any case, don’t drive yourself to the hospital. Lie down as much as possible to reduce the risk of side effects.
If you forget to take a dose, just take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking the medicine as normal.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on April 03, 2025. Next review due on April 03, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
AlfuzosinAlfuzosin hydrochloride
Alfuzosin isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when taking it.
Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let our doctor know, and they can talk with you about it.
AlfuzosinAlfuzosin hydrochloride
Alfuzosin: FAQ
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
How does Alfuzosin compare with Tamsulosin?
Answer:
Alfuzosin and Tamsulosin are two treatments for BPH. They belong to the same class of drugs (called alpha-1 blockers). Here’s how they compare:
Mode of action - Both work by relaxing the smooth muscles to improve urinary flow and relieve the symptoms of BPH.
Dose - Alfuzosin is available in a dose of 10 mg, while Tamsulosin comes in a dose of 400mcg.
Efficacy - Both treatments are similarly effective in helping to improve BPH symptoms.[1]
Is there a branded version of Alfuzosin?
Answer:
Alfuzosin is produced under a range of different brand names, including Uroxatral, Xatral, and Alfural. Alfuzosin is the name of the generic (unbranded) medication.
There isn’t much difference between the generic and branded treatments; they are usually as effective as each other. Some differences may include the packaging, dose, and price. Generally, the generic version is cheaper.
What is Alfuzosin used for?
Answer:
Alfuzosin is a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition where your prostate is enlarged. This causes your prostate to press against your urethra (the tube where urine leaves your body), causing urinary problems like:
Frequent urination (especially at night)
A sudden need to pee
Weak, slow urine stream
Dribbling after urination
Alfuzosin helps to relax your prostate muscles, allowing urine to flow more freely. It’s important to note Alfuzosin won’t decrease prostate size; your prostate may continue to grow while you’re taking the medication.
You’ll need a different medication, or surgery, to shrink your prostate.
Will I get side effects using Alfuzosin?
Answer:
Like all medicines, there's a risk of getting side effects when taking Alfuzosin. Some common side effects may include:
Feeling dizzy
Headache
Nausea
Stomach pain
Weakness
Tiredness
Lying down after you take the medicine can help reduce the risk of feeling dizzy, faint or weak.
Most of the time, the side effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medicine. But if they persist or worsen, contact your doctor.
Will I get a stuffy nose using Alfuzosin?
Answer:
You might. Alfuzosin is an alpha-blocker that relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder, but it can also widen the vessels in other parts of your body including the nasal passage. This can result in a stuffy or runny nose. You can treat a stuffy nose by steam inhalation, or using nasal sprays or decongestants.
Can I take Alfuzosin with Viagra?
Answer:
You should consult your doctor before taking Alfuzosin with Sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra). Both treatments reduce blood pressure, which can increase your risk of hypotension.
Although some studies have shown taking a combination of 10mg Alfuzosin and 25mg Sildenafil can be effective at improving symptoms of erectile dysfunction and BPH with either therapy alone, you should only take them under the supervision of your doctor.[2]
Treated trusted source:
Agrawal, M. S., et al. (2009).A prospective randomized study comparing alfuzosin and tamsulosin in the management of patients suffering from acute urinary retention caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. Indian Journal of Urology: IJU: Journal of the Urological Society of India, 25(4), 474.
Kaplan, S. A., et al. (2007).A combination of Alfuzosin and Sildenafil is Superior to Monotherapy in Treating Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Erectile Dysfunction. European Urology, 51(6), 1717-1723.
Last updated on Apr 02, 2025.
How we reviewed this page:
Our experts continually monitor new findings in health and medicine, and we update our articles when new info becomes available.
Apr 02, 2025
Published by: The Treated Content Team.Medically reviewed by: Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell, Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell
Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer
Cristina writes content for Treated, and reviews content produced by our other writers to make sure it’s clinically accurate.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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