A Comparison of Varying Alpha-Blockers and Other Pharmacotherapy Options for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

January 2005 in “ PubMed ”

Christopher R. Chapple

alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonists 5alpha-reductase inhibitors finasteride benign prostatic hyperplasia alfuzosin tamsulosin alpha-blockers Propecia

TLDR Alpha-blockers are the most effective and widely used treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms, with minimal side effects.

The document reviewed the effectiveness of alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonists and 5alpha-reductase inhibitors in treating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonists were found to be effective for all patients, regardless of prostate size, and were superior to placebo in improving urinary flow and reducing symptoms. They were more effective than finasteride in the short term for reducing symptom scores. Common side effects included dizziness and postural hypotension, with alfuzosin affecting blood pressure more than tamsulosin, which was well tolerated with minimal blood pressure effects.

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