This article is authored by Pharmacist Nguyễn Huy Khiêm - Clinical Pharmacist - Pharmacy Department - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
Xatral XL is a commonly used medication for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, containing the active ingredient alfuzosin. Below are some important points to consider when patients use Xatral XL.
1. Formulation of Xatral 10mg
Xatral 10mg is formulated as a prolonged-release tablet (XL - extra long) with a dosage of 10mg.
This medication is designed to release the active ingredient gradually (to extend the duration of action as well as to minimize undesirable side effects). Therefore, patients must swallow the tablet whole and should not chew, break, or crush the tablet prior to ingestion.
2. Indications for Xatral XL 10mg
- Xatral XL 10mg is indicated for the treatment of symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (such as urinary retention, difficulty urinating, nocturia, urinary incontinence, and frequent urination).
- The medication is also indicated as a supportive treatment in cases of acute urinary retention due to benign prostatic hyperplasia requiring catheterization, particularly in patients over 65 years of age.
- Furthermore, physicians may also prescribe Xatral XL 10mg to assist in the expulsion of stones from the urinary tract in certain cases of ureteral stones. This is an off-label indication not included in the product's prescription information.
The mechanism of action of the medication involves selective antagonism at alpha-1 adrenergic receptors (which are abundant in the prostate and bladder neck), thereby facilitating smooth muscle relaxation in the bladder neck and prostate, improving urinary flow rate and alleviating symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Xatral 10mg tends to provide rapid relief of symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (within a few days after starting the medication); however, the effect will be lost upon discontinuation of the drug.
3. Recommended Dosage for Xatral XL 10mg
Xatral XL 10mg is administered orally. The typical prescribed dosage for adults is one 10mg tablet per day, to be taken after meals.
4. Precautions When Using Xatral XL
- Food enhances the absorption of the medication (increasing it by approximately 50% compared to taking it on an empty stomach), therefore it is advisable to take the medication after meals.
- Noteworthy side effects include orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure, dizziness, fainting upon sudden position changes: lying, sitting, standing). Consequently, when using Xatral XL, patients should change positions slowly to minimize these undesirable effects. The concomitant use of certain medications such as antihypertensive agents or nitrate-based medications for angina may increase the risk of these adverse effects.
- Patients should inform their physicians or healthcare providers about their use of Xatral XL prior to undergoing ophthalmic surgery to establish an appropriate plan for discontinuation before surgery to reduce the risk of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS).
- Xatral XL should not be used in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh classification B or C), nor should it be used concomitantly with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, clarithromycin, or ritonavir.
- Since Xatral 10mg may cause dizziness (especially with sudden position changes), caution is advised when performing activities that require concentration, such as driving or operating machinery while on medication.
To ensure safe usage, patients must adhere to the prescribed dosage by their physician. If any unusual symptoms occur, patients should promptly seek medical evaluation and intervention.
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