Alfusin Tab
✅ Relieves urinary symptoms
✅ Treats enlarged prostate
✅ Improves urine flow
✅ Reduces frequent urination
✅ Minimizes bladder discomfort
✓ Medically reviewed by Morgan Ellis — Pharmacy Researcher · 8 years experience · Last reviewed: May 2026
Quick Answer — What is Alfusin Tab?
Alfusin Tab contains alfuzosin hydrochloride 10 mg — a uroselective alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist used to treat the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Manufactured by Cipla. Alfuzosin relaxes the smooth muscle of the bladder neck, prostate capsule, and prostatic urethra — reducing the dynamic component of bladder-outlet obstruction so urine can flow more easily. Standard dose: one 10 mg tablet once daily, immediately after the same meal each day. Swallow whole — do not crush, split, or chew (this is a prolonged-release formulation). Symptom improvement is usually noticeable within 2-4 weeks. Alfuzosin does NOT shrink the prostate (unlike 5α-reductase inhibitors finasteride or dutasteride) — for moderate-to-large glands, combination therapy may be more appropriate. Most common side effects: dizziness, postural hypotension (especially with the first dose), headache, fatigue. Inform your eye surgeon if you are scheduled for cataract surgery — alfuzosin can cause Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS).
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What is Alfusin Tab?
Alfusin Tab is a brand of alfuzosin hydrochloride 10 mg prolonged-release tablet from Cipla. Alfuzosin is one of the four uroselective alpha-1 blockers used worldwide for BPH symptom relief; the others are tamsulosin, silodosin, and naftopidil. Internationally branded as Uroxatral (US), Xatral XL (UK / EU), Mittoval, Alfusin, Alfumax. Pack sizes available at MedsBase: 30, 60, 90 (or 180) tablets.
How alfuzosin works
Lower urinary tract symptoms in BPH have two components: a static component (the physical bulk of the enlarged prostate compressing the urethra) and a dynamic component (smooth-muscle tone in the prostate capsule, bladder neck, and prostatic urethra mediated by alpha-1 adrenergic receptors).
Alfuzosin selectively blocks alpha-1 receptors at these sites, relaxing the smooth muscle and reducing the dynamic component of obstruction. It does NOT shrink prostate volume — that is the job of 5α-reductase inhibitors (finasteride, dutasteride), which are slower-acting (3-6 months for symptom benefit) but address the static component.
Compared to non-selective alpha-blockers (prazosin, doxazosin, terazosin), alfuzosin has greater selectivity for the alpha-1A and alpha-1L subtypes prevalent in the prostate over the alpha-1B subtype prevalent in vascular smooth muscle — which translates to less postural hypotension. Tamsulosin and silodosin are even more uroselective, but at the cost of more retrograde ejaculation.
When alfuzosin is used
- BPH-related lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) — the licensed indication. Symptoms include weak stream, hesitancy, intermittency, straining, sense of incomplete emptying, urinary frequency, urgency, and nocturia.
- Medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteric stones <10 mm — off-label but well-supported by guidelines. Alpha-blockers relax the distal ureter, increasing the rate of stone passage by ~30%.
- Trial without catheter (TWOC) after acute urinary retention — a 24-72 hour course of alfuzosin before catheter removal increases the success rate of voiding without retention.
- Chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) — selected cases, usually combined with antibiotics or anti-inflammatories.
Dosage & how to take
- One 10 mg tablet once daily, immediately after the same meal each day (food increases bioavailability and reduces postural hypotension on the first dose)
- Swallow whole — do not crush, split, dissolve, or chew the prolonged-release tablet. Crushing destroys the controlled-release matrix and can cause excessive blood-pressure drop within hours.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose — then skip the missed dose. Do not double up.
- First-dose effect: postural hypotension and dizziness are most likely with the first dose. Take the first dose at bedtime if possible, or sit/lie down for at least an hour after taking it.
- Symptom improvement is typically noticeable within 2-4 weeks. If no benefit after 6-8 weeks, review with your doctor — alternative or combination therapy may be appropriate.
- Renal impairment: mild-to-moderate impairment requires no dose adjustment. Severe impairment (eGFR <30) requires caution; consult prescriber.
- Hepatic impairment: moderate-to-severe hepatic impairment is a contraindication.
- Elderly: standard dosing is appropriate; alfuzosin is the alpha-blocker with the most favourable cardiovascular profile in older men.
Side effects & safety
- Common (1 in 10): dizziness, postural hypotension (especially first dose), headache, fatigue/asthenia, gastrointestinal upset (nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea)
- Less common: tachycardia, syncope (rare), rash, peripheral oedema
- Sexual function: alfuzosin has the lowest rate of ejaculatory dysfunction among the alpha-blockers (much lower than tamsulosin or silodosin) — an important consideration for sexually active men.
- Rare but serious: priapism (prolonged painful erection — emergency), QT-interval prolongation (usually only at higher-than-licensed doses), hepatic dysfunction
- Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS) — see dedicated section below
Cataract surgery warning — Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome
If you are scheduled for cataract surgery and you are taking alfuzosin (or any alpha-1 blocker, including tamsulosin, silodosin, doxazosin, terazosin), tell your eye surgeon BEFORE the operation.
Alpha-1 blockers cause Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS) in 1-2% of cataract patients — the iris becomes flaccid, billows during surgery, and may prolapse through the surgical incision. This significantly increases surgical complication risk if the surgeon is not prepared.
The effect persists even months after stopping the drug, so simply pausing alfuzosin pre-operatively may not eliminate the risk. Modern cataract surgeons have specific techniques (iris hooks, intracameral phenylephrine, viscoelastic strategies) to manage IFIS safely — but they need to know in advance.
Contraindications & warnings
Do not take alfuzosin if you have:
- Hypersensitivity to alfuzosin or any other alpha-blocker
- Moderate-to-severe hepatic impairment
- Conditions predisposing to postural hypotension (autonomic neuropathy, dehydration)
- Concurrent use of other alpha-blockers
- Concurrent use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin) — sharply increases alfuzosin levels
- History of QT prolongation or arrhythmia (relative contraindication)
Use with caution if you have: coronary artery disease (alpha-blocker-induced reflex tachycardia can precipitate angina), cerebrovascular disease, prior orthostatic hypotension, severe renal impairment.
Alfuzosin is for adult men with BPH only. Not for use in women, children, or for prostate cancer.
Drug interactions
- Other alpha-blockers (tamsulosin, silodosin, doxazosin, prazosin, terazosin) — do not combine; additive hypotensive effect
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin, indinavir) — CONTRAINDICATED; markedly increase alfuzosin plasma levels
- PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, avanafil) — additive hypotension. Lowest-dose PDE5 inhibitor with caution; tadalafil 5 mg daily is approved for combined BPH/ED indication.
- Antihypertensives — additive hypotensive effect; monitor BP after starting alfuzosin
- Nitrates — additive hypotension
- QT-prolonging drugs (Class Ia/III antiarrhythmics, some antipsychotics, quinolone antibiotics) — theoretical additive risk
How alfuzosin compares to alternatives
| Drug | Onset | Notable feature |
|---|---|---|
| Alfuzosin 10 mg | 2-4 weeks | Lowest ejaculatory side effects of the alpha-blocker class |
| Tamsulosin 0.4 mg | 1-2 weeks | Most prescribed; high rate of retrograde ejaculation |
| Silodosin 8 mg | 1-2 weeks | Most uroselective; very high ejaculatory side effects |
| Finasteride 5 mg / Dutasteride 0.5 mg | 3-6 months | Shrink the prostate (different mechanism); useful for large glands |
| Tadalafil 5 mg daily | 2-4 weeks | PDE5 inhibitor licensed for combined BPH + ED |
Storage & shelf life
Store Alfusin Tab tablets below 25°C in the original blister pack. Protect from moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the carton.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long until alfuzosin starts working?
Some symptom improvement is often noticeable within the first week, but the full effect develops over 2-4 weeks. If there is no meaningful benefit after 6-8 weeks, review with your doctor — combination therapy with a 5α-reductase inhibitor or PDE5 inhibitor may be appropriate.
Will alfuzosin shrink my prostate?
No — alfuzosin works by relaxing the smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck. It does not change prostate volume. To shrink the prostate, finasteride or dutasteride (5α-reductase inhibitors) are added; these take 3-6 months to produce a measurable volume reduction. For larger prostates (>40 mL), combination therapy is more effective than alpha-blocker alone.
Why do I need to take it after a meal?
Food increases alfuzosin bioavailability and the predictability of its absorption profile, and reduces the likelihood of postural hypotension on the first dose. Take it after the same meal each day (typically breakfast or dinner) to maintain steady-state levels.
Can I split or crush the tablet?
No — alfuzosin XL is a prolonged-release formulation. Crushing or splitting destroys the controlled-release matrix and releases the entire 10 mg dose at once, causing a much sharper drop in blood pressure and risk of dizziness or syncope. If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, ask your doctor about alternative alpha-blockers (tamsulosin capsules can be opened and the granules sprinkled on soft food, although this is unlicensed).
Will alfuzosin affect my sex life?
Alfuzosin has the lowest rate of ejaculatory side effects of the alpha-blocker class — an important practical advantage over tamsulosin and silodosin, which cause retrograde or absent ejaculation in 5-30% of users. Alfuzosin does not cause erectile dysfunction; some men report improved sexual function with the relief of LUTS.
Can I take alfuzosin with sildenafil or tadalafil?
The combination is possible but requires caution because of additive hypotension. Take the lowest effective PDE5-inhibitor dose, and separate dosing where practical. Tadalafil 5 mg once daily is licensed for combined BPH + erectile dysfunction in many countries and is a reasonable single-drug solution for men with both conditions.
Do I need to stop alfuzosin before cataract surgery?
Inform your eye surgeon — do not stop without discussion. Alfuzosin and other alpha-blockers cause Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS), which complicates cataract surgery; the effect persists for months even after stopping the drug, so simply pausing it may not help. Modern surgeons have specific techniques to manage IFIS safely if they know in advance.
Is alfuzosin the same as tamsulosin?
Both are alpha-1 blockers for BPH, with similar overall efficacy. Tamsulosin is more uroselective and slightly faster-acting but causes much more retrograde ejaculation. Alfuzosin is gentler on ejaculation and has marginally better cardiovascular tolerability, especially in elderly men. The choice often comes down to side-effect profile preference.
Can women take alfuzosin?
Alfuzosin is licensed only for BPH in adult men. Some alpha-blockers are used off-label in women for refractory urinary symptoms (urinary retention, voiding dysfunction), but this is specialist territory and not a routine indication.
Where can I order Alfusin Tab online?
You can order Alfusin Tab 10 mg from MedsBase in standard pack sizes. Orders ship worldwide with discreet packaging. Alfuzosin is specialist-supervised worldwide — please ensure you have a clinical diagnosis of BPH and supervising clinician before ordering.
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| Strength | 10 mg |
|---|---|
| Quantity | 30 Tablet/s, 60 Tablet/s, 90 Tablet/s, 180 Tablet/s |
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