Fozal Special Precautions

Postural Hypotension: Postural hypotension with or without symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue and sweating may occur within a few hours after alfuzosin hydrochloride administration. There is also a potential for syncope. Advise patients to avoid situations where injury could result should syncope occur. There may be an increased risk of hypotension/postural hypotension and syncope when taking alfuzosin hydrochloride concomitantly with anti-hypertensive medication or nitrates. Administer alfuzosin hydrochloride with caution in patients with symptomatic hypotension or patients who have had a hypotensive response to other medications.
Coronary Insufficiency: Discontinue alfuzosin hydrochloride treatment if symptoms of angina pectoris should appear or worsen.
Patients with Congenital or Acquired QT Prolongation: Alfuzosin hydrochloride may cause prolongation of QT interval which should be considered in clinical decisions when prescribing alfuzosin hydrochloride in patients with known history of QT prolongation or patients who are taking medications which prolong QT interval. No signs of torsades de pointes have been seen in post-marketing experience with alfuzosin hydrochloride.
Prostatic Carcinoma: Carcinoma of the prostate and BPH have similar symptoms and these two diseases frequently co-exist. Evaluate patients prior to starting alfuzosin hydrochloride treatment to rule out the presence of carcinoma of the prostate.
Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS): IFIS has been reported during cataract surgery in some patients on or previously treated with alpha-1 blockers. IFIS, a variant of small pupil syndrome, manifests as a combination of a flaccid iris that billows in response to intraoperative irrigation currents, progressive intraoperative miosis even with preoperative dilation with standard mydriatic drugs and potential prolapse of the iris toward the phacoemulsification incisions. Modifications of surgical technique such as utilization of iris hooks, iris dilator rings, or viscoelastic substance may be used by the patient's ophthalmologist. There appears to be no benefit when α₁- blocker therapy is stopped before cataract surgery.
Hepatic Insufficiency: Do not use alfuzosin hydrochloride in patients with moderate or severe hepatic insufficiency since alfuzosin blood levels are increased in these patients (see PHARMACOLOGY: PHARMACOKINETICS under ACTIONS and CONTRAINDICATIONS).
Renal Insufficiency: Exercise caution when alfuzosin hydrochloride is administered to patients with renal insufficiency. (See PHARMACOLOGY: PHARMACOKINETICS under ACTIONS).
Effects on Ability to Drive or Use Machines: Advise patients to avoid hazardous tasks including driving and operating machinery since alfuzosin hydrochloride may potentially cause vertigo, dizziness and asthenia.