Some commonly used brand names are: In the U.S.- Uroxatral; In Canada- Xatral Category Benign prostatic hyperplasia therapy agent Description Alfuzosin((al-FYOO-zoe-sin)) is used to treat the signs and symptoms of benign enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). Benign enlargement of the prostate is a problem that can occur in men as they get older. The prostate gland is located below the bladder. As the prostate gland enlarges, certain muscles in the gland may become tight and get in the way of the tube that drains urine from the bladder. This can cause problems in urinating, such as a need to urinate often, a weak stream when urinating, or a feeling of not being able to empty the bladder completely. Alfuzosin helps relax the muscles in the prostate and the opening of the bladder. This may help increase the flow of urine and/or decrease the symptoms. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms: Oral Tablets (U.S. and Canada) Before Using This Medicine In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For alfuzosin, the following should be considered: Allergies-Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to alfuzosin. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes. Other medicines-Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking alfuzosin, it is especially important that your doctor and pharmacist know if you are taking any of the following: Alpha blockers (medicine for high blood pressure)- This medicine should not be used at the same time as alfuzosin. Atenolol (e.g., Tenormin) - Using this medicine at the same time as alfuzosin can cause very low blood pressure and a slower heart beat. Cimetidine (e.g., Tagamet) - Using this medicine at the same time as alfuzosin can cause there to be more alfuzosin in your body. Diltiazem (e.g., Cardizem) - Using this medicine at the same time as alfuzosin can cause very low blood pressure. Itraconazole (e.g., Sporanox) or Ketoconazole (e.g., Nizoral) or Ritonavir (e.g., Norvir) - These medicines may cause there to be more alfuzosin in your body and they should not be used at the same time as alfuzosin. Other medical problems-The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of alfuzosin. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially: Prostatic carcinoma (cancer of the prostate) - This medical condition may have the same symptoms as your medical condition. Your doctor will want to know because different treatment is need for prostatic carcinoma. Liver disease, moderate or severe- Patients with this condition should not use alfuzosin.