Generic Uroxatral (Alfuzosin)

Introduction

Uroxatral is an oral medication whose active ingredient is alfuzosin, a selective α₁-adrenergic receptor antagonist. It is formulated as a 10 mg tablet and is primarily prescribed to men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who experience bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such as urinary frequency, urgency, weak stream, and incomplete bladder emptying. Alfuzosin belongs to the class of α-blockers that relax smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck, improving urine flow. The drug is marketed under brand names such as Uroxatral and Xatral and is also available as a generic product. In addition to its approved use for BPH-related LUTS, clinicians have reported occasional off-label applications, which are discussed later with appropriate cautions.

What is Uroxatral?

Uroxatral contains the active compound alfuzosin hydrochloride. Alfuzosin was first synthesized in the early s and received regulatory approval in the United States (FDA) and Europe (EMA) in 2003 for the treatment of BPH-related urinary symptoms. The medication is manufactured by Pfizer (U.S.) and several licensed generic producers worldwide. It is supplied as a film-coated tablet delivering 10 mg of alfuzosin once daily.

How Uroxatral Works

Alfuzosin selectively blocks α₁-adrenergic receptors located in the smooth muscle of the prostate, bladder neck, and urethra. By preventing norepinephrine-induced contraction, the drug reduces muscle tone in these regions, thereby widening the urinary passage and facilitating bladder emptying. Unlike non-selective α-blockers, alfuzosin exhibits minimal activity on vascular α₁ receptors, which limits blood-pressure-related side effects such as orthostatic hypotension. After oral ingestion, peak plasma concentrations are reached in approximately 6 hours; the drug’s half-life is around 8 hours, supporting once-daily dosing. Alfuzosin is extensively metabolized by the cytochrome P450 3A4 pathway and eliminated mainly via feces.

Conditions Treated with Uroxatral

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms - Alfuzosin improves urinary flow rates and relieves symptoms such as nocturia, urgency, and weak stream. Clinical trials have shown statistically significant reductions in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) compared with placebo.

The drug is not approved for treating prostate cancer, urinary infections, or bladder dysfunction unrelated to BPH.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Uroxatral

• Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) - Small observational studies have suggested that α-blockade may lessen pelvic pain by relaxing prostatic smooth muscle, but robust randomized data are lacking.

• Post-operative urinary retention after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) - Some urologists prescribe alfuzosin to facilitate early voiding; however, this indication is not endorsed by regulatory agencies.

• Nocturnal polyuria - Limited research indicates that α-blockers could modestly reduce nighttime urine production, but the evidence remains preliminary.

All off-label applications should be undertaken only under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, as safety and efficacy have not been formally evaluated by the FDA or EMA.

Is Uroxatral the Right Medication for You?

Uroxatral is most suitable for adult males who:

• Have a clinically diagnosed enlargement of the prostate confirmed by digital rectal exam or imaging.
• Experience moderate to severe LUTS that affect quality of life.
• Do not have a history of severe hepatic impairment, hypotension, or a known hypersensitivity to alfuzosin or any tablet excipients.

The medication is particularly advantageous for patients who require a once-daily regimen and who have experienced dizziness with non-selective α-blockers. Men taking concomitant medications that strongly inhibit CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin) may need dose adjustment or an alternative therapy.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common adverse events

• Dizziness or light-headedness - usually mild and transient.
• Headache - reported in up to 10 % of patients.
• Abdominal discomfort or dyspepsia - may improve with food.

Rare adverse events

• Erectile dysfunction - occurs in a small minority; may resolve with continued therapy.
• Priapism - extremely rare but requires immediate medical attention.

Serious adverse events

• Severe hypotension - particularly when combined with other antihypertensives or potent CYP3A4 inhibitors.
• Heart block or arrhythmias - in patients with pre-existing conduction disorders.
• Liver injury - rare cases of elevated transaminases have been documented; routine monitoring is advisable in patients with hepatic disease.

Drug-drug interactions

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir) can increase alfuzosin plasma levels; dose reduction to 5 mg once daily is recommended.
• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine) may lower effectiveness; alternative therapy should be considered.
• Other α-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin, doxazosin) - additive hypotensive effect; concurrent use is generally avoided.

Drug-food interactions

• Food - Alfuzosin absorption is enhanced when taken after a meal; the tablet should be swallowed with a full glass of water.
• Alcohol - Excessive intake may potentiate dizziness; moderate consumption is permissible but should be discussed with a clinician.

Patients should avoid operating heavy machinery or driving until they know how the medication affects them, especially during the first few days of therapy.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard dosing - One 10 mg tablet taken orally once daily, preferably after the evening meal.
• Missed dose - If a dose is forgotten, take it as soon as remembered provided it is more than 12 hours before the next scheduled dose. Do not double-dose.
• Overdose - Symptoms may include profound hypotension, severe dizziness, or syncope. Seek emergency medical care immediately; supportive measures such as intravenous fluids and vasopressors may be required.

Practical precautions

• Swallow tablets whole; do not crush or chew.
• Avoid grapefruit juice, which can inhibit CYP3A4 and raise drug levels.
• Store tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight.

FAQ

• Can I take Uroxatral with other blood pressure medicines? Yes, but concurrent use may increase the risk of low blood pressure. Your clinician should review all antihypertensives and may adjust doses or choose an alternative therapy.

• Will Uroxatral affect my ability to drive a car? Dizziness is a known side effect, especially during the first week. Until you are certain the medication does not impair your alertness, limit driving or operating machinery.

• Is there a difference between the brand name Uroxatral and generic alfuzosin? The generic and brand formulations contain the same active ingredient and are bioequivalent. The main differences lie in inactive excipients, price, and packaging.

• How should I store Uroxatral when traveling abroad? Keep tablets in their original container, sealed tightly, and store them at controlled room temperature. Avoid extreme heat, such as inside a car trunk, and protect them from moisture.

• Can I take Uroxatral if I have liver disease? Alfuzosin is metabolized by the liver; patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment should use the drug with caution, and dosage may need reduction. Consultation with a liver specialist is advised.

• What are the inactive ingredients in the 10 mg tablet? Typical excipients include lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and a film-coating polymer. Patients with lactose intolerance should discuss alternatives with their provider.

• Does Uroxatral interact with over-the-counter herbal supplements? Some herbal products, such as St. John’s wort, induce CYP3A4 and could lower alfuzosin concentrations, reducing efficacy. Always disclose supplement use to your healthcare professional.

• Can Uroxatral be taken by men over 80 years old? Age alone is not a contraindication, but older adults are more susceptible to orthostatic hypotension. Initiating therapy at a lower dose (5 mg) and monitoring blood pressure is prudent.

• Is it safe to use Uroxatral while on anticoagulant therapy? No direct pharmacological interaction exists between alfuzosin and anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, DOACs). However, any episode of severe hypotension could increase fall risk and bleeding; close clinical monitoring is recommended.

• Will Uroxatral help with nighttime bathroom trips? While the primary benefit is improved urine flow, some patients report reduced nocturia as a secondary effect. Individual responses vary, and other causes of nocturnal polyuria should be evaluated separately.

Glossary

α₁-Adrenergic Receptor

A protein on smooth-muscle cells that responds to norepinephrine, causing contraction. Blocking this receptor relaxes the muscle.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that commonly occurs with aging and can obstruct urinary flow.

CYP3A4

An enzyme in the liver that metabolizes many drugs; inhibitors raise drug levels, while inducers lower them.

International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)

A standardized questionnaire rating the severity of urinary symptoms; lower scores indicate improvement.

Buying Uroxatral from Our Online Pharmacy

Patients who encounter limited availability or high out-of-pocket costs for alfuzosin can obtain the medication through our online pharmacy. Because we operate as a pharmacy-broker service, we partner with licensed overseas suppliers who purchase the drug at prices close to manufacturer cost. This model enables us to offer a cost-effective, verified product without compromising quality.

All tablets are sourced from registered, GMP-certified manufacturers, and each batch undergoes independent verification to confirm potency and purity. Orders are dispatched discreetly, packaged in plain-letter envelopes or unbranded boxes to protect privacy. Delivery options include express shipping (approximately 7 days) and standard airmail (typically 2-3 weeks), both with tracking numbers for real-time status updates.

Our service is designed for patients who may lack insurance coverage, live in regions with restricted pharmacy access, or simply prefer the convenience of a secure, online transaction. By choosing our online pharmacy, you receive a reliable supply of Uroxatral while benefiting from transparent pricing, rigorous quality control, and a privacy-focused shipping process.

Disclaimer

The information presented about Uroxatral is intended for general educational purposes and does not substitute professional medical advice. Treatment decisions, including any off-label applications, must be made under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. Readers are presumed to be competent adults capable of making informed health choices. Our online pharmacy provides access to alfuzosin for individuals who may experience limited availability through conventional pharmacies or who are seeking an affordable generic alternative. Always consult a clinician before initiating, altering, or stopping any medication.