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Are all alpha-blockers created equal? An update.

Claus G Roehrborn
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Abstract

alpha-Receptor blockers, used to treat lower urinary tract symptoms, exert effects on areas of the body other than the prostate where alpha-receptors are located, including the blood vessels and the central nervous system. alpha-Receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system may be involved in bladder activation. alpha(1a)-Receptors are the appropriate target in men with obstructive symptoms, although alpha(1d)-receptors may also be important in patients with irritative symptoms. There is conflicting evidence about the selectivity of alpha-blockers. Clinical trials of these agents do not necessarily reflect results observed in animal and laboratory studies on uroselectivity. The few published comparator studies of alpha-blockers indicate similar efficacies, although side-effect profiles differ somewhat. Randomized, controlled studies of different alpha-blockers with sufficient power to detect differences in side effects between agents are needed.

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Adrenergic alpha-AntagonistsAnimalsHumansMaleProstatic DiseasesReceptors, Adrenergic, alphaUp-RegulationUrologic DiseasesJournal ArticleReview

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Claus G Roehrborn. 2002. Are all alpha-blockers created equal? An update.. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0090-4295(01)01555-2

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Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗
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Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗