 Xatral is used to treat the signs and symptoms of benign enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). Benign enlargement of the prostate is a problem that can occur in men as they get older. The prostate gland is located below the bladder. As the prostate gland enlarges, certain muscles in the gland may become tight and get in the way of the tube that drains urine from the bladder. This can cause problems in urinating, such as a need to urinate often, a weak stream when urinating, or a feeling of not being able to empty the bladder completely. Xatral helps relax the muscles in the prostate and the opening of the bladder. This may help increase the flow of urine and/or decrease the symptoms.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:
Special precautions
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For Xatral , the following should be considered:
Allergies - tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to Xatral . Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Other medicines - although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking Xatral , it is especially important that your doctor and pharmacist know if you are taking any of the following:
- Alpha blockers (medicine for high blood pressure) - This medicine should not be used at the same time as Xatral .
- Atenolol (e.g., Tenormin) - Using this medicine at the same time as Xatral can cause very low blood pressure and a slower heart beat.
- Cimetidine (e.g., Tagamet) - Using this medicine at the same time as Xatral can cause there to be more Xatral in your body.
- Diltiazem (e.g., Cardizem) - Using this medicine at the same time as Xatral can cause very low blood pressure.
- Itraconazole (e.g., Sporanox) or
- Ketoconazole (e.g., Nizoral) or
- Ritonavir (e.g., Norvir) - these medicines may cause there to be more Xatral in your body and they should not be used at the same time as Xatral .
Other medical problems - the presence of other medical problems may affect the use of Xatral . Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Prostatic carcinoma (cancer of the prostate) - this medical condition may have the same symptoms as your medical condition. Your doctor will want to know because different treatment is need for prostatic carcinoma.
- Liver disease, moderate or severe - Patients with this condition should not use Xatral .
Side effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
- Chest pain; fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse; painful or prolonged erection of the penis
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.
- Abdominal pain; acid or sour stomach ; belching; body aches or pain; chills; congestion ; cough; cough producing mucus; decreased interest in sexual intercourse; difficulty breathing; difficulty having a bowel movement (stool); dryness or soreness of throat; ear congestion; fever; headache; heartburn ; hoarseness; inability to have or keep an erection; indigestion; loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance; loss of voice; nasal congestion; nausea; pain; pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones; runny nose; shortness of breath; sneezing; sore throat; stomach discomfort, upset, or pain; stuffy or runny nose; tender, swollen glands in neck; tightness in chest; trouble in swallowing ; unusual tiredness or weakness; wheezing; voice changes
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Don’t let anyone else take your medicines.
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