Alfuzosin

Absorption

Alfuzosin is readily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and the absolute bioavailability under fed conditions is 49%. In patients over 75 years of age, alfuzosin is absorbed more rapidly and peak plasma levels are higher. One source mentions a bioavailability of 64%. After multiple doses under fed conditions, Cmax is achieved in 8 hours. Cmax and AUC0-24 values are about 13.6 ng/mL and 194 ng·h/mL, respectively. Steady-state plasma concentrations are achieved after the second dose and are 1.2 to 1.6 times higher than after a single dose. With the extended-release formulation, alfuzosin release is sustained over 20 hours with a rate of dissolution ranging between 2 and 12 hours.

Toxicity

The oral LD50 of alfuzosin is 2300 mg/kg in male mice and 1950 mg/kg in female mice. An overdose of alfuzosin can cause hypotension. Cardiovascular support should be initiated immediately. The patient should be kept in the supine position to aid in restoring pressure and managing heart rate. Fluid resuscitation should also be considered in severe cases; sometimes, vasopressors are required. Renal function should be monitored frequently. Dialysis may not be of benefit to alfuzosin protein binding of up to 90%.

Description

Alfuzosin hydrochloride is a post-synaptic a-antagonist useful in the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy and acute adenoma by lowering urethral contractions induced by alpha, stimulation. Alfuzosin is also being developed as an antihypertensive; its efficacy in this indication is comparable to prazosin with no significant change in heart rate.

The Uses of Alfuzosin

dietary supplement

Indications

Alfuzosin is used to treat the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Background

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) refers to a benign growth or hyperplasia of the prostate and leads to lower urinary tract symptoms in men, such as urgency, frequency and changes to urine flow. The prevalence of BPH is as high as 50%-60% for males in their 60's, and this prevalence increases to 80%-90% of those over 70. Alfuzosin is an alpha-1 adrenergic blocker used in the symptomatic treatment of BPH that works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck. It was initially approved by the FDA in 2003 and is marketed by several pharmaceutical companies.

Pharmacokinetics

By selectively inhibiting alpha adrenergic receptors in the lower urinary tract, alfuzosin causes smooth muscle relaxation in the bladder neck and prostate, improving urine flow, thereby reducing BPH symptoms. Additionally, alfuzosin reduces the vasoconstrictor effect of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine), leading to peripheral vasodilation. This leads to a risk of postural hypotension/syncope, and prescribing information warns that caution should be exercised in patients who take nitrates, antihypertensives, or have experienced decreased blood pressure after using other medications.

Metabolism

Alfuzosin undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism; only 11% of the administered dose is detected unchanged in the urine. Alfuzosin is metabolism occurs via three metabolic pathways: oxidation, O-demethylations, and N-dealkylation. Metabolites of alfuzosin are not pharmacologically active and CYP3A4 is main hepatic cytochrome enzyme responsible for its metabolism.