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Alfuzosin

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: July 26, 2026

Alfuzosin is a selective alpha-1 adrenergic blocker used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland common in older men. It works by relaxing smooth muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, improving urinary flow and reducing symptoms such as difficulty starting urination, weak stream, and frequent urination.

Quick summary

Alfuzosin is an alpha-blocker that relaxes muscles in the prostate and bladder to treat urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed July 26, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
G04CA01
RxNorm
17300
Generic
Alfuzosin
Class
atc-g04
Brands
UroXatral
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
oral
Forms
tablet
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)extended-release tablet
Usual dose
10mg once daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily with food
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
adult (hepatic_impairment_mild_to_moderate)extended-release tablet
Usual dose
10mg once daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily with food (use with caution)
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
adult (severe_hepatic_impairment)extended-release tablet
Usual dose
not recommended
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
contraindicated
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Single dose that may cause serious toxicity - extrapolated from reported cases of hypotension and dizziness at supratherapeutic doses
Chronic overdose: prolonged use exceeding recommended 10mg daily dose may lead to cumulative hypotension and cardiovascular effects
Immediate actions
place patient in supine position, monitor blood pressure and heart rate, intravenous fluids for hypotension
Antidote
no specific antidote exists(supportive care is primary treatment approach)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

8 groups
⚠

pregnancy

all trimesters
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid unless benefits outweigh risks

Key Recommendations

not indicated for use in pregnant women; avoid unless absolutely necessary

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring if used

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

?

lactation

breastfeeding
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

avoid

Key Recommendations

not recommended during breastfeeding due to unknown excretion in breast milk

Monitor

monitor infant for adverse effects

⚠

geriatric

elderly 65
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

start at lower end of dosing range

Key Recommendations

increased sensitivity to alpha-blockers; higher risk of orthostatic hypotension and syncope; use with caution

Monitor

monitor blood pressure and for signs of hypotension

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

pediatric_age

children adolescents
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not recommended

Key Recommendations

not approved for use in pediatric patients; safety and efficacy not established

Monitor

not applicable

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

renal_impairment

severe renal impairment
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use with caution; consider dose reduction

Key Recommendations

use with extreme caution in patients with CrCl < 30 mL/min; not recommended for end-stage renal disease

Monitor

monitor renal function and blood pressure

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

renal_impairment

mild moderate renal impairment
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific dose adjustment required

Key Recommendations

use with caution; monitor for hypotension

Monitor

routine monitoring of renal function

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

hepatic_impairment

severe hepatic impairment
contraindicated
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

contraindicated

Key Recommendations

do not use in patients with severe hepatic impairment due to extensive hepatic metabolism

Monitor

not applicable

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

mild moderate hepatic impairment
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

use with caution; monitor for adverse effects

Monitor

monitor liver function tests and blood pressure

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingFDA
2023

Commonly prescribed since

Value:1996

FDA approval year for Alfuzosin (UroXatral)

drug_classWHO
2023

Drug class

Value:Alpha-1 blocker

Alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist for BPH treatment

usageMedical guidelines
2023

Common uses

Value:Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Treatment of urinary symptoms associated with enlarged prostate

mechanismFDA
2023

Mechanism of action

Value:Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist

Relaxes smooth muscle in prostate and bladder neck

Alfuzosin is primarily used to treat the lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), including difficulty urinating, weak urine stream, frequent urination, and the sensation of incomplete bladder emptying.

Alfuzosin selectively blocks alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscle of the prostate, bladder base, bladder neck, prostatic capsule, and prostatic urethra. This blockade causes relaxation of these muscles, reducing urethral resistance and improving urine flow.

Alfuzosin may cause orthostatic hypotension, particularly with first dose or when starting treatment. Patients should be monitored for dizziness and fainting. It is not indicated for use in women or children. Patients undergoing cataract surgery should inform their ophthalmologist as alpha-blockers may increase the risk of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy