Alfuzosin Hydrochloride - Aurobindo Pharma Limited

Alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are not indicated for the treatment of hypertension.

Alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are not indicated for use in the pediatric population.

Postural hypotension with or without symptoms (e.g., dizziness) may develop within a few hours following administration of alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets. As with other alpha adrenergic antagonists, there is a potential for syncope. Patients should be warned of the possible occurrence of such events and should 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 extended-release tablets concomitantly with anti-hypertensive medication and nitrates. Care should be taken when alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are administered to patients with symptomatic hypotension or patients who have had a hypotensive response to other medications.

Caution should be exercised when alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are administered in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are contraindicated for use in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment [see Contraindications (4), Use in Specific Populations (8.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Although the pharmacokinetics of alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets have not been studied in patients with mild hepatic impairment, caution should be exercised when alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are administered to such patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Potent CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are contraindicated for use with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir) since alfuzosin blood levels are increased [see Contraindications (4), Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Other alpha adrenergic antagonists:  Alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are an alpha adrenergic antagonist and should not be used in combination with other alpha adrenergic antagonist [see Drug Interactions (7.2)]. 

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) Inhibitors: PDE5-inhibitors are also vasodilators. Caution is advised for concomitant use of PDE5-inhibitors and alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, as this combination can potentially cause symptomatic hypotension [see Drug Interactions (7.4)].

Carcinoma of the prostate and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) cause many of the same symptoms.  These two diseases frequently coexist. Therefore, patients thought to have BPH should be examined to rule out the presence of carcinoma of the prostate prior to starting treatment with alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets.

IFIS has been observed during cataract surgery in some patients on or previously treated with alpha adrenergic antagonists. This variant of small pupil syndrome is characterized by the combination of a flaccid iris that billows in response to intraoperative irrigation currents, progressive intraoperative miosis despite preoperative dilation with standard mydriatic drugs, and potential prolapse of the iris toward the phacoemulsification incisions. The patient’s ophthalmologist should be prepared for possible modifications to their surgical technique, such as the utilization of iris hooks, iris dilator rings, or viscoelastic substances.

There does not appear to be a benefit of stopping alpha adrenergic antagonist therapy prior to cataract surgery.

Rarely (probably less than 1 in 50,000), alfuzosin, like other alpha adrenergic antagonists, has been associated with priapism (persistent painful penile erection unrelated to sexual activity). Because this condition can lead to permanent impotence if not properly treated, patients should be advised about the seriousness of the condition [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) and Patient Counseling Information (17.3)]. 

If symptoms of angina pectoris should appear or worsen, alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets should be discontinued.

Use with caution in patients with acquired or congenital QT prolongation or who are taking medications that prolong the QT interval [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.

The incidence of adverse reactions has been ascertained from 3 placebo-controlled clinical trials involving 1,608 men where daily doses of 10 and 15 mg alfuzosin were evaluated. In these 3 trials, 473 men received alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets 10 mg. In these trials, 4% of patients taking alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets 10 mg withdrew from the trial due to adverse reactions, compared with 3% in the placebo group.

Table 1 summarizes adverse reactions that occurred in ≥2% of patients receiving alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, and at a higher incidence than that of the placebo group. In general, the adverse reactions seen in long-term use were similar in type and frequency to the events described below for the 3-month trials.

The following adverse reactions, reported by between 1% and 2% of patients receiving alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets and occurring more frequently than with placebo, are listed alphabetically by body system and by decreasing frequency within body system:

Body as a whole: pain 

Gastrointestinal system: abdominal pain, dyspepsia, constipation, nausea

Reproductive system: impotence

Respiratory system: bronchitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis 

Signs and Symptoms of Orthostasis in Clinical Trials: The adverse reactions related to orthostasis that occurred in the double-blind phase 3 trials with alfuzosin 10 mg are summarized in Table 2. Approximately 20% to 30% of patients in these trials were taking antihypertensive medication.

Testing for blood pressure changes or orthostatic hypotension was conducted in three controlled studies. Decreased systolic blood pressure (≤90 mm Hg, with a decrease ≥20 mm Hg from baseline) was observed in none of the 674 placebo patients and 1 (0.2%) of the 469 alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets patients. Decreased diastolic blood pressure (≤50 mm Hg, with a decrease ≥15 mm Hg from baseline) was observed in 3 (0.4%) of the placebo patients and in 4 (0.9%) of the alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets patients. A positive orthostatic test (decrease in systolic blood pressure of ≥20 mm Hg upon standing from the supine position) was seen in 52 (7.7%) of placebo patients and in 31 (6.6%) of the alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets patients.

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

General disorders: edema

Cardiac disorders: tachycardia, chest pain, angina pectoris in patients with pre-existing coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation

Gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhea, vomiting 

Hepatobiliary disorders: hepatocellular and cholestatic liver injury (including cases with jaundice leading to drug discontinuation)

Respiratory system disorders: rhinitis

Reproductive system disorders: priapism

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: rash, pruritis, urticaria, angioedema, toxic epidermal necrolysis 

Vascular disorders: flushing

Blood and lymphatic system disorders: thrombocytopenia 

During cataract surgery, a variant of small pupil syndrome known as Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS) has been reported in some patients on or previously treated with alpha adrenergic antagonists [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].

Alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are contraindicated for use with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, or ritonavir, since alfuzosin blood levels are increased [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets and other alpha adrenergic antagonists have not been determined. However, interactions may be expected, and alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets should not be used in combination with other alpha adrenergic antagonists [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

There may be an increased risk of hypotension/postural hypotension and syncope when taking alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets concomitantly with anti-hypertensive medication and nitrates [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Caution is advised when alpha adrenergic antagonists, including alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, are coadministered with PDE5 inhibitors. Alpha adrenergic antagonists and PDE5 inhibitors are both vasodilators that can lower blood pressure. Concomitant use of these two drug classes can potentially cause symptomatic hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Risk Summary

Alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are not indicated for use in women.

There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with use of alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets in pregnant women.

Based on findings from animal studies, alfuzosin administered during the period of organogenesis was not teratogenic, embryotoxic or fetotoxic at up to 1200 times the MRHD of 10 mg via AUC in rats and 3 times in rabbits, via body surface area.

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and of miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancy is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

Data

Animal data

Alfuzosin was not teratogenic, embryotoxic or fetotoxic in rats at plasma exposure levels (based on AUC of unbound drug) up to 1200 times (maternal oral dose of 250 mg/kg/day) the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 10 mg.  In rabbits administered up to 3 times the MRHD (based on body surface area) (maternal oral dose of 100 mg/kg/day) no embryofetal toxicity or teratogenicity was observed. Gestation was slightly prolonged in rats at exposure levels (based on AUC of unbound drug) approximately 12 times (greater than 5 mg/kg/day oral maternal dose) the MRHD, but difficulties with parturition were not observed.

Risk Summary

Alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are not indicated for use in women. There are no data on the presence of alfuzosin hydrochloride in human milk, the effect on the breastfed child, or effect on milk production.

Alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are not indicated for use in the pediatric population.

Efficacy of alfuzosin hydrochloride was not demonstrated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, efficacy and safety trial conducted in 172 patients ages 2 to 16 years with elevated detrusor leak point pressure (LPP≥40 cm H₂O) of neurologic origin treated with alfuzosin hydrochloride using pediatric formulations. The trial included a 12-week efficacy phase followed by a 40-week safety extension period. No statistically significant difference in the proportion of patients achieving a detrusor leak point pressure of <40 cm H₂O was observed between the alfuzosin and placebo groups.

During the placebo-controlled trial, the adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients treated with alfuzosin and at a higher incidence than in the placebo group were: pyrexia, headache, respiratory tract infection, cough, epistaxis and diarrhea. The adverse reactions reported for the whole 12-month trial period, which included the open-label extension, were similar in type and frequency to the reactions observed during the 12-week period.

Alfuzosin hydrochloride was not studied in patients below the age of 2.

Of the total number of subjects in clinical studies of alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, 48% were 65 years of age and over, whereas 11% were 75 and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]

Systemic exposure was increased by approximately 50% in pharmacokinetic studies of patients with mild, moderate, and severe renal impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. In phase 3 studies, the safety profile of patients with mild (n=172) or moderate (n=56) renal impairment was similar to the patients with normal renal function in those studies. Safety data are available in only a limited number of patients (n=6) with creatinine clearance below 30 mL/min; therefore, caution should be exercised when alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are administered in patients with severe renal impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

The pharmacokinetics of alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets have not been studied in patients with mild hepatic impairment. Alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are contraindicated for use in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Alfuzosin is a selective antagonist of post-synaptic alpha₁-adrenoreceptors, which are located in the prostate, bladder base, bladder neck, prostatic capsule, and prostatic urethra.

Alfuzosin exhibits selectivity for alpha adrenergic receptors in the lower urinary tract. Blockade of these adrenoreceptors can cause smooth muscle in the bladder neck and prostate to relax, resulting in an improvement in urine flow and a reduction in symptoms of BPH.

Cardiac Electrophysiology

The effect of 10 mg and 40 mg alfuzosin on QT interval was evaluated in a double-blind, randomized, placebo and active-controlled (moxifloxacin 400 mg), 4-way crossover single dose study in 45 healthy white male subjects aged 19 to 45 years. The QT interval was measured at the time of peak alfuzosin plasma concentrations. The 40 mg dose of alfuzosin was chosen because this dose achieves higher blood levels than those achieved with the co-administration of alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets and ketoconazole 400 mg. Table 3 summarizes the effect on uncorrected QT and mean corrected QT interval (QTc) with different methods of correction (Fridericia, population-specific and subject-specific correction methods) at the time of peak alfuzosin plasma concentrations. No single one of these correction methodologies is known to be more valid. The mean change of heart rate associated with a 10 mg dose of alfuzosin in this study was 5.2 beats/minute and 5.8 beats/minute with 40 mg alfuzosin. The change in heart rate with moxifloxacin was 2.8 beats/minute. 

The QT effect appeared greater for 40 mg compared to 10 mg alfuzosin. The effect of the highest alfuzosin dose (four times the therapeutic dose) studied did not appear as large as that of the active control moxifloxacin at its therapeutic dose. This study, however, was not designed to make direct statistical comparisons between the drugs or the dose levels. There has been no signal of Torsade de Pointes in the extensive post-marketing experience with alfuzosin outside the United States.

A separate post-marketing QT study evaluated the effect of the co-administration of 10 mg alfuzosin with a drug of similar QT effect size. In this study, the mean placebo-subtracted QTcF increase of alfuzosin 10 mg alone was 1.9 msec (upperbound 95% CI, 5.5 msec). The concomitant administration of the two drugs showed an increased QT effect when compared with either drug alone. This QTcF increase [5.9 msec (UB 95% CI, 9.4 msec)] was not more than additive. Although this study was not designed to make direct statistical comparisons between drugs, the QT increase with both drugs given together appeared to be lower than the QTcF increase seen with the positive control moxifloxacin 400 mg [10.2 msec (UB 95% CI, 13.8 msec)]. The clinical impact of these QTc changes is unknown.

The pharmacokinetics of alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets have been evaluated in adult healthy male volunteers after single and/or multiple administration with daily doses ranging from 7.5 mg to 30 mg, and in patients with BPH at doses from 7.5 mg to 15 mg.

Absorption

The absolute bioavailability of alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets 10 mg under fed conditions is 49%. Following multiple dosing of 10 mg alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets under fed conditions, the time to maximum concentration is 8 hours. C_max and AUC_0-24 are 13.6 (SD = 5.6) ng/mL and 194 (SD = 75) ng•h/mL, respectively. Alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets exhibit linear kinetics following single and multiple dosing up to 30 mg. Steady-state plasma levels are reached with the second dose of alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets administration. Steady-state alfuzosin plasma concentrations are 1.2- to 1.6-fold higher than those observed after a single administration.

Effect of Food

As illustrated in Figure 1, the extent of absorption is 50% lower under fasting conditions. Therefore, alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets should be taken with food and with the same meal each day [see Dosage and Administration (2)].

Figure-1

Figure 1 - Mean (SEM) Alfuzosin Plasma Concentration-Time Profiles after a Single Administration of Alfuzosin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets 10 mg to 8 Healthy Middle-Aged Male Volunteers in Fed and Fasted States

Distribution

The volume of distribution following intravenous administration in healthy male middle-aged volunteers was 3.2 L/kg. Results of in vitro studies indicate that alfuzosin is moderately bound to human plasma proteins (82% to 90%), with linear binding over a wide concentration range (5 to 5,000 ng/mL).

Metabolism

Alfuzosin undergoes extensive metabolism by the liver, with only 11% of the administered dose excreted unchanged in the urine. Alfuzosin is metabolized by three metabolic pathways: oxidation, O-demethylation, and N-dealkylation. The metabolites are not pharmacologically active. CYP3A4 is the principal hepatic enzyme isoform involved in its metabolism.

Excretion

Following oral administration of ¹⁴C-labeled alfuzosin solution, the recovery of radioactivity after 7 days (expressed as a percentage of the administered dose) was 69% in feces and 24% in urine. Following oral administration of alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets 10 mg, the apparent elimination half-life is 10 hours.

Specific Populations

Geriatric Use: In a pharmacokinetic assessment during phase 3 clinical studies in patients with BPH, there was no relationship between peak plasma concentrations of alfuzosin and age. However, trough levels were positively correlated with age. The concentrations in subjects ≥75 years of age were approximately 35% greater than in those below 65 years of age.

Renal Impairment: The Pharmacokinetic profiles of alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets 10 mg in subjects with normal renal function (CL_CR>80 mL/min), mild impairment (CL_CR 60 to 80 mL/min), moderate impairment (CL_CR 30 to 59 mL/min), and severe impairment (CL_CR <30 mL/min) were compared. These clearances were calculated by the Cockcroft-Gault formula. Relative to subjects with normal renal function, the mean C_max and AUC values were increased by approximately 50% in patients with mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].

Hepatic Impairment: The pharmacokinetics of alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets have not been studied in patients with mild hepatic impairment. In patients with moderate or severe hepatic insufficiency (Child-Pugh categories B and C), the plasma apparent clearance (CL/F) was reduced to approximately one-third to one-fourth that observed in healthy subjects. This reduction in clearance results in three to four-fold higher plasma concentrations of alfuzosin in these patients compared to healthy subjects. Therefore, alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Use in Specific Populations (8.7)].

Pediatric Use: Alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are not indicated for use in the pediatric population [see Indications and Usage (1.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.4)] .

Drug-Drug Interactions

Metabolic Interactions

CYP3A4 is the principal hepatic enzyme isoform involved in the metabolism of alfuzosin.

Potent CYP3A4 Inhibitors

Repeated oral administration of 400 mg/day of ketoconazole, a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4, increased alfuzosin C_max by 2.3-fold and AUC_last by 3.2-fold, following a single 10 mg dose of alfuzosin.

In another study, repeated oral administration of a lower (200 mg/day) dose of ketoconazole increased alfuzosin C_max by 2.1-fold and AUC_last by 2.5-fold, following a single 10 mg dose of alfuzosin.

Therefore, alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are contraindicated for co-administration with potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, or ritonavir) because of increased alfuzosin exposure  [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Drug Interactions (7.1)].

Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors

Diltiazem: Repeated co-administration of 240 mg/day of diltiazem, a moderately-potent inhibitor of CYP3A4, with 7.5 mg/day (2.5 mg three times daily) alfuzosin (equivalent to the exposure with alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets) increased the C_max and AUC_0-24 of alfuzosin 1.5- and 1.3-fold, respectively. Alfuzosin increased the C_max and AUC_0-12 of diltiazem 1.4-fold. Although no changes in blood pressure were observed in this study, diltiazem is an antihypertensive medication and the combination of alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets and antihypertensive medications has the potential to cause hypotension in some patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

In human liver microsomes, at concentrations that are achieved at the therapeutic dose, alfuzosin did not inhibit CYP1A2, 2A6, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6 or 3A4 isoenzymes. In primary culture of human hepatocytes, alfuzosin did not induce CYP1A, 2A6 or 3A4 isoenzymes.

Other Interactions

Warfarin: Multiple dose administration of an immediate release tablet formulation of alfuzosin 5 mg twice daily for six days to six healthy male volunteers did not affect the pharmacological response to a single 25 mg oral dose of warfarin.

Digoxin: Repeated co-administration of alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets 10 mg and digoxin 0.25 mg/day for 7 days did not influence the steady-state pharmacokinetics of either drug.

Cimetidine: Repeated administration of 1 g/day cimetidine increased both alfuzosin C_max and AUC values by 20%.

Atenolol: Single administration of 100 mg atenolol with a single dose of 2.5 mg of an immediate release alfuzosin tablet in eight healthy young male volunteers increased alfuzosin C_max and AUC values by 28% and 21%, respectively. Alfuzosin increased atenolol C_max and AUC values by 26% and 14%, respectively. In this study, the combination of alfuzosin with atenolol caused significant reductions in mean blood pressure and in mean heart rate. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Hydrochlorothiazide: Single administration of 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide did not modify the pharmacokinetic parameters of alfuzosin. There was no evidence of pharmacodynamic interaction between alfuzosin and hydrochlorothiazide in the 8 patients in this study.

There was no evidence of a drug-related increase in the incidence of tumors in mice following dietary administration of 100 mg/kg/day alfuzosin for 98 weeks (13 and 15 times the maximum recommended human dose [MRHD] of 10 mg based on AUC of unbound drug), in females and males, respectively. The highest dose tested in female mice may not have constituted a maximally tolerated dose. Likewise, there was no evidence of a drug-related increase in the incidence of tumors in rats following dietary administration of 100 mg/kg/day alfuzosin for 104 weeks (53 and 37 times the MRHD in females and males, respectively).

Alfuzosin showed no evidence of mutagenic effect in the Ames and mouse lymphoma assays, and was free of any clastogenic effects in the Chinese hamster ovary cell and in vivo mouse micronucleus assays. Alfuzosin treatment did not induce DNA repair in a human cell line.

There was no evidence of reproductive organ toxicity when male rats were administered oral doses of several hundred times (250 mg/kg/day for 26 weeks) the MRHD of alfuzosin. No impairment of fertility was observed following oral (gavage) administration to male rats at doses of up to 125 mg/kg/day for 70 days. Estrous cycling was inhibited in rats and dogs at approximately 12 and 18 times the MRHD respectively (doses of 25 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg, respectively), but did not result in impaired fertility in female rats.

Patients should be told about the possible occurrence of symptoms related to postural hypotension, such as dizziness, when beginning alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, and they should be cautioned about driving, operating machinery, or performing hazardous tasks during this period. This is important for those with low blood pressure or who are taking antihypertensive medications or nitrates [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. 

Patients should be instructed to tell their ophthalmologist about their use of alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets before cataract surgery or other procedures involving the eyes, even if the patient is no longer taking alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].  

Patients should be advised about the possibility of priapism resulting from treatment with alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets and medications in the same class.  Although this reaction is extremely rare, but if not brought to immediate medical attention, can lead to permanent erectile dysfunction (impotence) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].

Alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets should be taken with food and with the same meal each day.

Patients should be advised not to crush or chew alfuzosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets.

The full text of the patient information is reprinted at the end of this document.

Distributed by:
Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc.
279 Princeton-Hightstown Road
East Windsor, NJ 08520

Manufactured by:
Aurobindo Pharma Limited
Hyderabad-500 032, India

Revised: 11/2022