Effects of Prazosin in Men with Symptoms of Bladder Neck Obstruction and a Non-Hyperplastic Prostate

Abstract

In a double blind cross-over study, the selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor blocker prazosin was given to eleven men with a non-hyperplastic prostate and with symptoms of bladder neck obstruction. During prazosin treatment maximum and average flow rates increased and residual urine was reduced. Prazosin did not change any pressure variables recorded. All patients had antegrade ejaculation and no side effects were reported. It is concluded that in selected patients with bladder outlet obstruction, prazosin may be a therapeutic alternative to bladder neck incision.

The effectiveness of terazosin, an α1‐blocker, on bladder neck obstruction as assessed by urodynamic hydraulic energy

“…The bladder neck is considered to be governed by the sympathetic system; the smooth muscle around the bladder neck is rich in α‐receptors and, at least in the male, is richly innervated with noradrenaline‐containing nerves [2]. Hedlund and Anderson [3] reported that prazosin, an α‐blocker, was effective in treating BNO, but there have been few reports of the effects of α‐blockers on BNO, and the effect has not been assessed by a full urodynamic study. Terazosin is a highly selective α1‐blocker [4] and has been reported to be effective in treating the symptoms of BPH [5–8].…”