From the FDA Drug Label
Alfuzosin is a selective antagonist of post-synaptic alpha1-adrenoreceptors, which are located in the prostate, bladder base, bladder neck, prostatic capsule, and prostatic urethra. The dynamic component is a function of the smooth muscle tone in the prostate and its capsule, the bladder neck, and the bladder base as well as the prostatic urethra. The smooth muscle tone is regulated by alpha-adrenergic receptors. Alfuzosin exhibits selectivity for alpha1-adrenergic receptors in the lower urinary tract Blockade of these adrenoreceptors can cause smooth muscle in the bladder neck and prostate to relax, resulting in an improvement in urine flow and a reduction in symptoms of BPH
The effect of Alfilo (Alfuzosin) on smooth muscle blood vessels is not directly addressed in the provided drug label. The label discusses the effect of alfuzosin on smooth muscle tone in the prostate and lower urinary tract, but does not provide information on its effect on smooth muscle blood vessels. 1
From the Research
Alfuzosin causes relaxation of smooth muscle blood vessels, but its primary effect is on the smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck, improving urinary flow in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) 2. The medication works by blocking alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in smooth muscle tissue, causing relaxation of these muscles and improving symptoms. Some key points to consider when prescribing alfuzosin include:
- The standard monitoring for patients on alfuzosin includes blood pressure checks (especially for orthostatic hypotension), assessment of urinary symptoms, and watching for side effects like dizziness or headache.
- Before starting alfuzosin, doctors typically check kidney and liver function through standard blood tests, but there is no specific "smooth muscle blood test" associated with this medication.
- The medication is usually started at 10 mg once daily, taken after the same meal each day.
- Patients should be aware that alfuzosin can cause dizziness, especially when standing up quickly, and may interact with other medications that lower blood pressure.
- Alfuzosin has been shown to improve patients' perception of quality of life, allowing patients to increase their physical activities and improve their ability to handle day-to-day activities 2. The most recent and highest quality study available, a 2-year open-label study, found that alfuzosin 10 mg once daily is effective in improving LUTS and quality of life, and is well tolerated from a cardiovascular perspective, including in elderly men and those receiving antihypertensive co-medication 2.