Uroxatral

What is Uroxatral

Uroxatral is in a class of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers. Uroxatral helps the muscles in the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.

Uroxatral is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).

Uroxatral may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

General medical information about Uroxatral

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities until you know how Uroxatral affects you. Uroxatral may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Lying down with your legs and feet up may alleviate dizziness. If dizziness persists or fainting occurs, contact your doctor.

Dizziness may be more likely to occur when rising from sitting or lying down. Rise slowly and use caution to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.

What you should find out before taking Uroxatral

Before taking Uroxatral, tell your doctor if you
- have had an allergic reaction to Uroxatral or another alpha-blocker such as terazosin (Hytrin), prazosin (Minipress), doxazosin (Cardura), or guanadrel (Hylorel);
- are already taking an alpha-blocker such as terazosin (Hytrin), prazosin (Minipress), doxazosin (Cardura), or guanadrel (Hylorel) for high blood pressure or prostate problems;
- have liver problems;
- have kidney problems;
- have a personal or family history of a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval;
- have angina (chest, jaw or arm pain related to the heart);
- have low blood pressure; or
- are taking other medications especially ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), or ritonavir (Norvir).

You may not be able to take Uroxatral, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Uroxatral is not indicated for use by women. Uroxatral is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that Uroxatral is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Uroxatral without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

Uroxatral is not indicated for use by women. It is not known whether Uroxatral passes into breast milk. Do not take Uroxatral without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should take Uroxatral

Take Uroxatral exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Take Uroxatral after the same meal each day. Uroxatral should be taken just after eating food. Do not take it on an empty stomach.

Do not crush, chew, or break the Uroxatral tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body.

It is important to take Uroxatral regularly to get the most benefit.

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Uroxatral to monitor progress and side effects.

Store Uroxatral at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose:

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if you overdose:

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a Uroxatral overdose may include weakness, dizziness, and fainting; a weak, fast pulse; cold, clammy skin; and possible loss of consciousness or coma.

Avoid while taking Uroxatral

Dizziness may be more likely to occur when rising from sitting or lying down. Rise slowly and use caution to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.

Possible side effects of Uroxatral

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Uroxatral and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- new or worsening chest pain; or
- fainting.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Uroxatral and talk to your doctor if you experience
- dizziness or drowsiness; or
- fatigue.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Uroxatral

Many other drugs may interact with Uroxatral. Talk to your doctor before taking any other medicines during treatment with Uroxatral especially any of the following:
- ketoconazole (Nizoral);
- itraconazole (Sporanox);
- ritonavir (Norvir);
- another alpha-blocker such as terazosin (Hytrin), prazosin (Minipress), doxazosin (Cardura), or guanadrel (Hylorel) for high blood pressure or prostate problems; or
- diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR, Diltia XT, Tiazac).

You may not be able to take Uroxatral, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Uroxatral. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.