Therapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) 5 Alpha-Reductase inhibitors • Flnasterlde and dutasterlde act by reducing the size of the prostate gland. Treatment for 6 to 12 months is generally needed before prostate size is sufficiently reduced to improve symptoms. • The major side effects of the 5 a-reductase inhibitors are decreased libido and ejaculatory or erectile dysfunction. Alpha-1-Adrenergic Antagonists • Terazosin, doxazosln, tamsulosln, silodosin, and alfuzosin relieve outlet obstruction of the bladder by reducing the tension of prostatic smooth muscle In the prostate, prostate capsule, and bladder neck. • The most important side effects are orthostatic hypotension and dizziness. Combination therapy • Combination therapy with an alpha1-adrenergic antagonist plus a 5 alpha reductase inhibitor produces the greatest reduction in the symptoms of BPH, such as acute urinary retention, urinary Incontinence, renal insufficiency, or recurrent urinary tract infections. #Benign #Prostatic #Hyperplasia #BPH #Prostate #Medications #Pharmacology
