Alfugress PR Tablets (Alfuzosin) Used to Treat Symptoms of BPH Such as Painful Urination, Difficulty & Urgency in Urination
Alfugress PR Tablets, containing the active ingredient alfuzosin, are primarily used to manage symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can lead to urinary difficulties.
Product Overview
Alfugress PR Tablets is a highly selective, long-acting urological medication containing Alfuzosin, an advanced alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist. It is specifically indicated for the management of the functional symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate gland. By precisely targeting the smooth muscles of the lower urinary tract, this medication helps restore normal urine flow and provides rapid, sustainable relief from urinary discomfort. The prolonged-release (PR) formulation ensures steady drug delivery over a 24-hour period, minimizing blood pressure fluctuations and maximizing patient compliance.
Product Composition
Active Ingredient: Alfuzosin Hydrochloride (Typically available in a 10 mg prolonged-release tablet strength)
Inactive Components: May include hypromellose, hydrogenated castor oil, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, and magnesium stearate.
Product Specification
| Feature | Details |
| Drug Class | Alpha-1 Adrenergic Blocker (Uroselective) |
| Therapeutic Indication | Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) |
| Formulation | Prolonged-Release (PR) Tablet |
| Site of Action | Prostate, bladder neck, and prostatic urethra |
| Metabolism | Extensively metabolized by the liver (primarily via the CYP3A4 pathway) |
| Excretion | Predominantly excreted as inactive metabolites through the feces and urine |
Mechanism of Action
- The medication works by binding selectively to and blocking alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, which are highly concentrated in the smooth muscles of the prostate gland, the bladder neck, and the prostatic urethra.
- By inhibiting these receptors, it decreases sympathetic tone, causing these smooth muscle tissues to relax.
- This relaxation reduces the mechanical compression on the urethra, thereby lowering bladder outlet resistance.
- The reduction in resistance significantly improves urinary flow rates and alleviates the obstructive and irritative symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
- Unlike non-selective alpha-blockers, its uroselective nature means it exerts a minimal impact on vascular alpha-1 receptors, reducing the likelihood of systemic cardiovascular side effects like drop in blood pressure.
Key Benefits
- Targeted Urinary Relief: Focuses its therapeutic action specifically on the lower urinary tract, quickly resolving difficulties in starting urination and weak stream.
- Rapid Symptom Improvement: Clinically proven to increase urinary flow rates and improve total voiding scores within days of starting therapy.
- Favorable Tolerability Profile: Demonstrates a lower incidence of vasodilatory side effects (such as dizziness or orthostatic hypotension) compared to older alpha-blockers.
- Sexual Health Preservation: Associated with a remarkably low risk of sexual side effects, such as ejaculatory dysfunction, helping to maintain the patient's quality of life.
- Convenient Single Dosing: The prolonged-release mechanism allows for a simple, once-daily regimen that provides consistent symptom control day and night.
Precautions
| Precaution | Description |
|---|---|
| Dizziness / Low BP | May cause dizziness, especially when standing up quickly. |
| Liver Disease | Use carefully in patients with liver problems. |
| Kidney Disease | May require dose adjustment in severe cases. |
| Heart Conditions | Inform if you have heart disease or rhythm problems. |
| Cataract Surgery | Tell your doctor before eye surgery. |
| Alcohol | May increase dizziness and low blood pressure. |
| Driving / Machinery | Avoid if you feel dizzy or weak. |
Important Points
- Take exactly as directed, usually after food.
- Do not stop suddenly without medical advice.
- Stand up slowly to avoid dizziness.
- Inform your healthcare provider about all medicines being used.
Usage
Dosage and administration for this uroselective medication must be carefully followed to maximize absorption and maintain the integrity of the prolonged-release system. Alfugress PR Tablets are designed to provide a steady release of the medication over a full day, requiring consistent daily administration.
| Aspect | Recommendation |
| Standard Dosage | Generally one 10 mg tablet taken once daily |
| Administration | Must be swallowed whole with water; do not crush, chew, split, or dissolve the tablet |
| Timing | Should be taken immediately after the same meal every day (preferably dinner) to optimize absorption |
| First-Dose Care | May cause mild dizziness initially; consider taking before bedtime or sitting down if feeling lightheaded |
| Liver Function | Contraindicated in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment due to increased drug exposure |
| Drug Interactions | Avoid concurrent use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (like certain antifungals or antivirals) which can alter blood levels |
Uses
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Prescribed to treat the functional symptoms of an enlarged prostate, including weak stream, straining, and incomplete bladder emptying.
Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS): Alleviates irritative symptoms such as frequent urination, sudden urgency, and frequent nighttime urination (nocturia).
Acute Urinary Retention (AUR): Utilized as an adjunctive therapy alongside catheterization to help restore natural voiding and improve the success rate of catheter removal.
Bladder Outlet Obstruction: Helps relax the muscular tone of the bladder neck, reducing bladder outlet resistance caused by anatomical compression.
Pre-Surgery Management: Sometimes used to stabilize urinary flow and manage symptoms in patients waiting for formal prostate surgery.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Low blood pressure
- Nasal congestion
- Nausea
Less Common Side Effects
- Sleepiness
- Dry mouth
- Stomach discomfort
- Swelling in legs or feet
- Flushing
Serious Side Effects
| Serious Side Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Severe low blood pressure | Fainting, extreme dizziness, or weakness. |
| Irregular heartbeat | Palpitations or abnormal heart rhythm. |
| Allergic reaction | Rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing. |
| Chest pain | Discomfort or pressure in chest area. |
| Liver problems (rare) | Yellowing of skin/eyes or dark urine. |
Important Points
- Most side effects are mild and temporary.
- Take the tablet after food to reduce dizziness.
- Stand up slowly to avoid fainting.
- Seek urgent care for chest pain, fainting, or severe reactions.
FAQs
Q: What is Alfugress PR Tablet used for?
A: Alfugress PR (Alfuzosin) is used to treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition in which the prostate gland becomes enlarged, causing difficulty in urination. It helps relieve symptoms such as weak urine stream, frequent urination, and difficulty starting urination.
Q: How does Alfuzosin work?
A: Alfuzosin works by blocking alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscles of the prostate gland and the neck of the bladder. This causes the muscles to relax, making it easier for urine to flow freely and relieving the urinary symptoms associated with BPH.
Q: What does PR mean in Alfugress PR Tablet?
A: PR stands for Prolonged Release. This means the medication is slowly and consistently released into the body over an extended period, providing sustained relief from BPH symptoms throughout the day with the convenience of once-daily dosing.
Q: How should I take Alfugress PR Tablet?
A: Alfugress PR Tablet should be taken once daily after a meal at the same time each day. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet as this may affect the prolonged release mechanism.
Q: What is the usual dose of Alfugress PR Tablet?
A: The standard dose of Alfugress PR is 10mg once daily taken after a meal. Your doctor will confirm the most appropriate dose for your condition. Do not alter the dose without consulting your doctor.
Q: How long does it take for Alfugress PR Tablet to work?
A: Most patients notice an improvement in urinary symptoms within a few days to weeks of starting treatment. However, the full benefit of Alfugress PR may take several weeks of regular use to become fully apparent.
Q: What are the common side effects of Alfugress PR Tablet?
A: Common side effects include dizziness, headache, fatigue, stomach upset, and low blood pressure, particularly when standing up suddenly (orthostatic hypotension). Contact your doctor if any side effects become severe or persistent.
Q: Can Alfugress PR Tablet cause dizziness?
A: Yes. Alfuzosin can cause dizziness and light-headedness, particularly when standing up quickly from a sitting or lying position. To minimise this risk, rise slowly from a seated or lying position and avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Q: Who should not take Alfugress PR Tablet?
A: Alfugress PR should not be taken by patients with severe liver disease, a history of orthostatic hypotension, or those allergic to Alfuzosin or other alpha blockers. It is not intended for use in women or children.
Q: Can Alfugress PR Tablet be taken with other medications?
A: Alfuzosin may interact with other alpha blockers, antihypertensives, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors such as sildenafil, and certain antifungal and antibiotic medicines.
Q: Can Alfugress PR Tablet affect blood pressure?
A: Yes. Alfuzosin can lower blood pressure, particularly when standing up suddenly, causing dizziness or fainting. Patients with low blood pressure should use this medication with caution and under close medical supervision.
Interactions
| Drug / Group | Effect with Alfugress PR Tablets (Alfuzosin) |
|---|---|
| Other blood pressure medicines | May cause excessive lowering of blood pressure. |
| PDE5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil) | Can increase risk of severe low blood pressure. |
| Antifungal medicines | May increase Alfuzosin levels in the body. |
| Antibiotics (macrolides) | Can increase risk of side effects. |
| Alpha-blockers | Additive effect leading to dizziness or fainting. |
| CYP3A4 inhibitors | May increase drug concentration and side effects. |
| Alcohol | May worsen dizziness and low blood pressure. |
Important Points
- Inform your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking.
- Avoid combining with similar blood pressure-lowering drugs without advice.
- Be cautious when standing up suddenly.
- Report severe dizziness, fainting, or palpitations.
| Manufacturer | : | La Renon Healthcare Pvt Ltd |
| Trade Name | : | Uroxatral |
| Generic Search | : | Alfuzosin |
| Strength | : | 10mg |
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