Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Xatral (Alfuzosin).
Angina: Xatral (Alfuzosin) may cause increased heart rate or decreased blood pressure, which may affect control of angina symptoms. People with angina (chest pain) should stop using Xatral (Alfuzosin) if their symptoms reappear or become worse.
Cataracts: During eye surgery for cataracts, people who take or have taken Xatral (Alfuzosin) are at risk for developing a condition called Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS). This condition can lead to eye damage. If you will be undergoing cataract surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking a medication that contains Xatral (Alfuzosin). Your surgeon may advise you to temporarily stop taking the medication before the surgery.
Drowsiness/dizziness: Xatral (Alfuzosin) may cause dizziness with the first few doses, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how you are affected by Xatral (Alfuzosin).
Liver function: If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Xatral (Alfuzosin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Xatral (Alfuzosin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Orthostatic hypotension (Low Blood Pressure upon arising): Xatral (Alfuzosin) can cause orthostatic hypotension, leading to dizziness or fainting when rising from a sitting or lying down position. If you feel faint or dizzy when getting up, lie down until the symptoms pass. This effect often goes away as treatment with Xatral (Alfuzosin) is continued. People with orthostatic hypotension should use caution while taking Xatral (Alfuzosin), as it may worsen their condition.
Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer and BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) cause many of the same symptoms. These two diseases frequently coexist. Before starting Xatral (Alfuzosin) therapy, an evaluation should take place to rule out prostate cancer.
QT prolongation: Xatral (Alfuzosin) can lengthen heartbeat as shown on an electrocardiogram test, also known as QT prolongation. If you have heart disease and abnormal heart rhythms, or are taking certain medications (e.g., Verapamil, atazanavir), discuss with your doctor how Xatral (Alfuzosin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Xatral (Alfuzosin), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you develop heart palpitations (fast or irregular heartbeat) or experience fainting spells, stop taking Xatral (Alfuzosin) and contact your doctor immediately.
Women: Xatral (Alfuzosin) is not recommended for use by women.
Children: Xatral (Alfuzosin) is not recommended for use by children.
