Alfuzosin

Alfuzosin, sold under the brand name Uroxatral among others, is a medication of the α1 blocker class. It is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Alfuzosin, sold under the brand name Uroxatral among others, is a medication of the α1 blocker class. It is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As an antagonist of the α1 adrenergic receptor, it works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate. Alfuzosin was patented in 1978 and approved for medical use in 1988. It was approved in the US for BPH in 2003. The most common side effects are dizziness (due to postural hypotension), upper respiratory tract infection, headache, fatigue, and abdominal disturbances. Side effects include stomach pain, heartburn, and congested nose. Adverse effects of alfuzosin are similar to that of tamsulosin with the exception of retrograde ejaculation. Alfuzosin should be used with caution in patients with severe chronic kidney disease, and should not be prescribed to patients with a known history of QT prolongation or those who are taking medications known to prolong the QT interval. Alfuzosin contains a stereocenter and is therefore chiral. There are two enantiomeric forms, (R)-alfuzosin and (S)-alfuzosin. The drug is used as a racemate, (RS)-alfuzosin, a 1: 1 mixture of the (R)- and (S)-forms. It is provided as the hydrochloride salt.