7 Alfuzosin Side Effects You Should Know About

Alfuzosin (Uroxatral) is a prescription alpha blocker medication. If you have urinary symptoms from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), it’s one of several options in its class that your healthcare provider may consider.

Compared to certain other alpha blockers, alfuzosin has more targeted effects on your prostate and bladder. Still, you may experience side effects in other areas of your body while taking it. Dizziness, upper respiratory tract infections, and headache are a few examples

Below, we review seven alfuzosin side effects and what you should do if they happen to you.

Promotion disclosure

Alfuzosin

Avg retail price

$254.09(Save 95.38%)

GoodRx discount

$11.75

Compare all prices

1. Dizziness

Some people feel dizzy or lightheaded after taking alfuzosin. That’s because it can lower your blood pressure, especially if you take it with other medications that have a similar effect. 

It’s important to see how alfuzosin affects you before driving a car or doing other activities where dizziness could be dangerous. And as you’re changing positions, such as standing up from sitting down, move slowly to avoid falls. You may be told to take your dose with food in the evening to help manage dizziness.

In general, dizziness should improve over time as your body gets used to the medication. If you start to feel dizzy or lightheaded, try sitting or lying down. Contact your healthcare provider right away if your dizziness isn’t going away or is getting worse.

2. Upper respiratory tract infections

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), such as the common cold, can happen while you’re taking alfuzosin. URTI symptoms can include a cough, sore throat, and stuffy nose or runny nose.

URTIs usually go away on their own, but your pharmacist can recommend over-the-counter (OTC) options to help manage your symptoms. It’s also important to stay hydrated and get enough rest until you’re feeling better. Keep in mind that if you think you might have COVID-19 or the flu, specific treatments are available.

If your symptoms are persistent or get worse, talk to your healthcare provider. It’s possible that you may need to take an antibiotic to clear your infection. 

3. Headache

Alfuzosin can cause headaches, which may be due to a drop in your blood pressure. However, headaches can have several causes. So you should let your healthcare provider know if your headaches persist or worsen during treatment. When you get a headache, take note of the time, where you feel the pain, and how long it lasts.

There are a few tips and tricks you can try to help relieve headaches, whether they’re due to alfuzosin or something else. And your healthcare provider or pharmacist may suggest an OTC pain reliever, if they’re safe for you to take.  

4. Fatigue

Fatigue is another possible alfuzosin side effect. Similar to dizziness and headaches, this may be due to drops in your blood pressure. It should improve as your body gets used to alfuzosin.

If your fatigue gets worse or starts affecting your daily routine, talk to your healthcare provider. Otherwise, focus on getting proper rest, eating a well-balanced diet, and exercising regularly to help boost your energy. 

5. Low blood pressure

Alfuzosin primarily works in your prostate and bladder. However, it can cause a decrease in your blood pressure — though this is uncommon. If that happens, you could feel dizzy or lightheaded, especially if you stand up too quickly. As mentioned above, it’s best to change positions slowly to lower the risk of falling.

Low blood pressure may be more likely with alfuzosin if you’re taking it with other medications that also lower blood pressure. Examples of these include tadalafil (Cialis), nitrates, and blood pressure medications. Make sure your healthcare team has your current medication list to check for these interactions in advance.

If you monitor your blood pressure at home, let your healthcare provider know if your readings are much lower than usual. They may need to adjust your medication dosage if your blood pressure is dropping too much.

If your skin becomes cold and clammy, your vision is blurry, or you have rapid, shallow breathing, your blood pressure may be dangerously low. Call 911 or have someone take you to the nearest emergency room.

6. Eye problems

Alfuzosin and other alpha blockers have been known to cause intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS). This condition can increase the risk of complications if you have cataract surgery, even after you’ve stopped taking alfuzosin. 

Because of this, you should inform your eye doctor if you’re taking or have ever taken alfuzosin. You should be able to undergo cataract surgery, but they may need to use a different technique to avoid problems. 

7. Prolonged erection

Rarely, alfuzosin and other alpha blockers can cause a painful, prolonged erection (called priapism). It’s unrelated to sexual activity and can last longer than 4 hours. This risk is estimated to be only 1 out of every 50,000 people taking the medication.

If you experience a prolonged erection, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Priapism is considered a medical emergency and can cause permanent damage to the penis if left untreated.

When should you contact your healthcare provider about alfuzosin side effects?

Don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if any alfuzosin side effects concern you, or if you’re unable to find relief. In some cases, your medication regimen may need to be adjusted, especially if your blood pressure is dropping too much.

Keep in mind that a prolonged erection and symptoms of very low blood pressure, such as clammy skin, shallow breathing, and blurry vision, require immediate medical attention. Have someone take you to the nearest emergency room if these develop.

Good to know: Some alfuzosin side effects may be more likely if you’re taking certain medications. Make sure your healthcare team knows which medications, OTC products, and supplements you’re taking.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Brian Leonard, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP

Brian Leonard earned his doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy and is board certified in Ambulatory Care and Geriatric Pharmacy.

Edited by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts