Role of the newer alpha, -adrenergic-receptor antagonists in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia-related lower urinary tract symptoms.

Department of Urology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, 425 West 59th Street, Suite 3A, New York, NY 10019, USA. fclowemd@aol.com

Clinical therapeutics 2004 Nov

filter terms:

Although initially introduced for the management of hypertension, alpha(1)-adrenergic-receptor antagonists (alpha1-blockers) have become the standard of care for the medical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-related lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). However, these agents have the potential to produce orthostatic hypotension and other blood pressure-related adverse effects in normotensive patients and in those receiving concurrent treatment with other antihypertensive agents. As a result, more "uroselective," less vasoactive alpha(1)-blockers have been developed. This article reviews current information on the role of alpha(1)-blockers in the treatment of BPH-related LUTS. The focus is on tamsulosin and alfuzosin, newer "uroselective" agents in this class that have a decreased potential for cardiovascular adverse effects. Relevant articles were identified through a search of the English-language literature indexed on MEDLINE and the proceedings of scientific meetings from 1976 to 2003. The search terms were benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment, alpha(1)-adrenergic-receptor blocker, uroselectivity, lower urinary tract symptoms, complications, and cardiovascular. Tamsulosin has selectivity for the a alpha(1) and alpha(1d) receptor subtypes. Alfuzosin, although not receptor subtype selective, is clinically "uroselective" and does not significantly affect vascular alpha-adrenergic receptors. Both agents are efficacious in relieving LUTS and have a decreased potential for such cardiovascular adverse effects as postural hypotension. Common adverse events with these agents include dizziness and asthenia. Based on the available data, "uroselective" alpha(1)-blockers should be considered over older, more vasoactive agents for the medical management of LUTS, particularly in patients with BPH and hypertension.

Citation

Franklin C Lowe. Role of the newer alpha, -adrenergic-receptor antagonists in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia-related lower urinary tract symptoms. Clinical therapeutics. 2004 Nov;26(11):1701-13