Alfuzosin+dutasteride
About
Alfuzosin+dutasteride belongs to a group of medicines known as 'urinary bladder relaxant' medication, used primarily in treating the enlarged prostate gland. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate gland) is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland caused due to overproduction of a dihydrotestosterone hormone in men. As the gland enlarges, it can lead to urinary problems, such as difficulty passing urine and frequent urination. Alfuzosin+dutasteride helps in getting relief from these symptoms. Alfuzosin+dutasteride does not cure prostate cancer.
Alfuzosin+dutasteride contains Alfuzosin (alpha-blockers) and Dutasteride (5-alpha reductase inhibitor), primarily used to treat the enlarged prostate gland. Alfuzosin makes it easy to pass urine by relaxing the prostate gland muscles. Dutasteride reduces the enlarged prostate gland's size by lowering the production of dihydrotestosterone hormone, thereby relieving urinary incontinence symptoms that minimise the need for prostate surgery and the risk of acute urinary retention. Both of them collectively improve Benign Hyperplasia Prostate symptoms (BPH).
You are advised to take Alfuzosin+dutasteride for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending upon your medical condition. The most common side effects of Alfuzosin+dutasteride are dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, sexual problems (decreased sex drive or libido), runny/stuffy nose, reduced amount of semen/sperm, testicle pain/swelling, increased breast size, or breast tenderness. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, 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 history of heart problems. It is advisable to use contraceptives (like a condom) while having sex if your wife is pregnant as Alfuzosin+dutasteride is known to pass in semen. 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 contains Alfuzosin (alpha-blockers) and dutasteride (5-alpha reductase inhibitor), primarily used in treating the enlarged prostate gland. As the gland enlarges, it can lead to urinary problems, such as difficulty passing urine and a frequent urination urge. 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. This will reduce the risk of acute urinary retention and the need for surgery. Alfuzosin makes it easy to pass urine by relaxing the muscles of the gland. Both of them collectively improve Benign Hyperplasia Prostate symptoms (BPH).
Directions for Use
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
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
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. Contact your doctor for advice if you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant before taking Alfuzosin+dutasteride as it may affect the development of male genitals. Also, 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 of penis erection, ejaculation, and pain in the penis can occur. So if these symptoms last for a longer 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: Alfuzosin+dutasteride is known to interact when taken along with alcohol and St John’s Wort (a natural remedy to treat depression).
Drug-Disease Interaction: Alfuzosin+dutasteride should not be given to patients with eye problems (like glaucoma or cataract), 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
unsafeAs 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.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAs the data on the use of Alfuzosin+dutasteride in breastfeeding women is limited, the use of Alfuzosin+dutasteride is restricted. It is highly recommended to consult your doctor before taking this drug in case you are breastfeeding.
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 drink. 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 stand suddenly 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 due to overproduction of 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 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 be continued even after stopping the intake of Alfuzosin+dutasteride. However, if these side effects persist, tell your doctor promptly.
