What it is used for

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia), such as a weak flow or needing to pee often
Short-term use to help pee again after a catheter is removed (acute urinary retention)

Read our guides:

Enlarged prostate (BPH)

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

Helping small kidney stones to pass (medical expulsive therapy)

How it works

Alfuzosin blocks alpha receptors on the smooth muscle in the prostate and the neck of the bladder. This relaxes the muscle so urine can flow more easily.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Alfuzosin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

dizziness when standing up
headache
feeling tired
feeling sick
stomach pain or diarrhoea

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

fainting
chest pain
an erection that lasts more than 4 hours

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

Take the first dose at bedtime, as it can make you dizzy or faint.
Tell the eye surgeon you take it before cataract surgery, as it can affect the operation.
Take care if you also take blood pressure medicines.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.