The Evolution of Alpha-Blockers for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

[摘要] Alpha-blockers have been evaluated for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) for 30 years, from early trials with the nonselective α-inhibitor phenoxybenzamine to short-acting (prazosin) then long-acting (terazosin, doxazosin, tamsulosin, alfuzosin) selective α1-antagonists. All of the α-blockers evaluated have demonstrated comparable effectiveness, and the evolution of α-blocker therapy for BPH has therefore focused primarily on improving convenience and tolerability. Although all of the long-acting α1-blockers are well tolerated, only tamsulosin and alfuzosin SR are administered without the requirement for dose titration. Alfuzosin has the additional advantage over tamsulosin of a lower incidence of ejaculatory dysfunction. Studies of subtype-selective α1-antagonists have not demonstrated superior efficacy or improved tolerability over the existing long-acting α1-blockers.

[学科分类] 基础医学

[关键词] Benign prostatic hyperplasia;Selective alpha-blockers;Lower urinary tract symptoms