Alfuzosin+dutasteride
About Alfuzosin+dutasteride
Alfuzosin+dutasteride is used to treat an enlarged prostate gland. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate gland) is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland caused by the overproduction of a dihydrotestosterone hormone in men.
Alfuzosin+dutasteride contains Alfuzosin and Dutasteride. Alfuzosin makes it easy to pass urine by relaxing the prostate gland muscles. Dutasteride reduces the enlarged prostate gland's size and relieves urinary incontinence symptoms.
The most common side effects of Alfuzosin+dutasteride are dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, sexual problems, runny/stuffy nose, reduced amount of semen/sperm, testicle pain/swelling, increased breast size, or breast tenderness. If the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Women or children should not take Alfuzosin+dutasteride. Please inform your doctor before starting Alfuzosin+dutasteride if you have low blood pressure, liver/kidney disease, or a history of heart problems. Do not donate blood while taking Alfuzosin+dutasteride. However, you can donate it six months after the last dose of Alfuzosin+dutasteride.
Uses of Alfuzosin+dutasteride
Medicinal Benefits
- Alfuzosin+dutasteride helps in the treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate.
- Dutasteride reduces the production of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), leading to a decrease in prostate size.
- Alfuzosin relaxes the muscles of the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to pass urine.
- It relieves urinary symptoms such as weak urine flow, difficulty starting urination, and frequent urination (especially at night).
- It reduces the risk of acute urinary retention (sudden inability to urinate).
- Alfuzosin+dutasteride lowers the need for prostate surgery by improving long-term symptoms.
- It improves overall urinary flow and bladder emptying, enhancing comfort and quality of life in men with BPH.
Directions for Use
- Take Alfuzosin+dutasteride with food or as advised by your doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Swallow it as a whole with water.
- Do not crush, break or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Alfuzosin+dutasteride
- Impotence (not able to achieve or maintain an erection)
- Decreased sex drive (libido)
- Difficulty with ejaculation
- Gynecomastia (breast enlargement or tenderness)
- Dizziness
- Breast tenderness
- Problems with ejaculation
Drug Warnings
- Do not take Alfuzosin+dutasteride if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
- Alfuzosin+dutasteride should not be taken if you have low blood pressure, which makes you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint, or if you have glaucoma.
- Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart disease or liver/kidney disease.
- Before undergoing surgery (cataract), please consult a doctor, as you might be advised to stop Alfuzosin+dutasteride.
- During sexual intercourse, use a condom as Alfuzosin+dutasteride is found in semen.
- Keep your doctor informed about all the OTC medicines you use.
- Patients taking Alfuzosin+dutasteride should be cautioned about driving, operating machinery, or performing hazardous tasks, as it can cause drowsiness or dizziness.
- In rare cases, problems with penis erection, ejaculation, and pain in the penis can occur. So, if these symptoms last for a long time, immediately contact your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Inform your doctor if you are taking medicines used to help achieve or maintain an erection (vardenafil, sildenafil, tadalafil), high blood pressure (verapamil, diltiazem), antidepressants (fluoxetine, paroxetine), anti-HIV (ritonavir, indinavir), blood thinners (warfarin), antibiotics (erythromycin), NSAIDs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have eye problems (like glaucoma or cataracts), liver/kidney disease, or hypotension (low blood pressure).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAlfuzosin+dutasteride should not be taken until prescribed if you are taking alcohol. Keep your doctor informed if you drink alcohol.
Pregnancy
unsafeAlfuzosin+dutasteride is not recommended for use in women.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAlfuzosin+dutasteride is not recommended for use in women.
Driving
cautionAlfuzosin+dutasteride can make some people feel dizzy, which may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Liver
cautionAlfuzosin+dutasteride should not be taken until prescribed. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is recommended.
Kidney
cautionAlfuzosin+dutasteride should not be taken until prescribed. Regular monitoring of kidney function tests is recommended.
Children
unsafeAlfuzosin+dutasteride is not recommended for children. The safety and effectiveness of Alfuzosin+dutasteride have not been established in children due to limited testing of this drug on children by competent authorities worldwide.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid drinking alcohol, caffeine, and fizzy drinks. Limit intake of artificial sweeteners.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly so you do not feel heavy in the abdomen.
- Also, drink less water in the evening and before sleeping to have a sound sleep and not wake up frequently for urination.
- Any medication that may worsen urinary symptoms (for cold and cough) should be avoided.
Special Advise
- Consult your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as shortness of breath, extreme tiredness, and swelling in your ankles and legs.
- Alfuzosin+dutasteride is not intended as an antihypertensive (blood pressure-lowering) drug.
- Don't suddenly stand from a lying or resting position, which may increase the risk of falls.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): The enlargement of the prostate gland is Benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland caused by the overproduction of the dihydrotestosterone hormone in men. If not treated, it may lead to the formation of bladder stones, infection, and reduced kidney function. BPH usually occurs in males above 50 years of age.
FAQs
Alfuzosin+dutasteride is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia/enlarged prostate gland.
Alfuzosin+dutasteride contains Alfuzosin (alpha-blockers) and dutasteride (5-alpha reductase inhibitor). Dutasteride lowers the production of dihydrotestosterone hormone, which leads to a decrease in the size of the prostate and, as a result, relieves the symptoms. Alfuzosin makes it easy to pass urine by relaxing the muscles of the gland. Both of them collectively improve Benign Hyperplasia Prostate symptoms (BPH).
You are advised not to take any cold or cough medication along with Alfuzosin+dutasteride as it increases the urge to urinate. So, before taking any such medication, please consult your doctor.
Alfuzosin+dutasteride does not cure urinary bladder cancer and should not be used for it. It helps in relieving symptoms of the enlarged prostate gland. For better advice, you should consult your doctor.
You are advised not to donate blood if you are taking Alfuzosin+dutasteride as it contains Dutasteride, which is carried in the blood and can cause congenital disabilities. Even if you stop taking Alfuzosin+dutasteride, wait for at least six months and consult your doctor before donating blood.
Yes, in some cases, sexual problems (like decreased sexual interest/ability/libido, ejaculation problems, decreased sperm/semen amount), testes pain/swelling, increased breast size, or breast tenderness in the male might occur. Sexual problems in a male may continue even after stopping the intake of Alfuzosin+dutasteride. However, if these side effects persist, tell your doctor promptly.
No, it would be preferable not to restrict your water consumption to alleviate frequent urination. In fact, not drinking enough fluids can result in additional trips to the restroom. Dehydration can result in concentrated urine, which can irritate the bladder and raise the risk of urinary tract infections.
Yes, Alfuzosin+dutasteride can be safe for elderly patients, but you should consult your doctor before taking it.
No, Alfuzosin+dutasteride does not shrink the prostate.
No, Alfuzosin+dutasteride does not cause erectile dysfunction. However, this combination of drugs can cause other sexual problems, such as Decreased sexual interest or libido, Ejaculation problems, and Decreased sperm or semen amount.
Yes, you can take Alfuzosin+dutasteride at any time of day. However, it is generally recommended that you take it at the same time every day to improve medication adherence.
Yes, Alfuzosin+dutasteride can affect the liver in rare cases. Therefore, it is recommended that liver function tests be regularly monitored.
Yes, Alfuzosin+dutasteride can affect your eyes, and you should inform your doctor before having any eye surgery. In rare cases, Alfuzosin+dutasteride may cause abnormal vision.
Yes, taking sildenafil or vardenafil with Alfuzosin+dutasteride can cause serious problems, including a significant drop in blood pressure.
Alfuzosin+dutasteride contains Alfuzosin and Dutasteride.
As the data on the use of Alfuzosin+dutasteride in pregnant women is limited, the use of Alfuzosin+dutasteride in pregnancy is restricted. It is highly recommended to consult your doctor before taking this drug in case you are pregnant.
