Pharmacotherapy in benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Abstract

Symptomatic bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has been conventionally treated by transurethral resection. In recent years, a better understanding of the natural history and pathophysiology of BPH coupled with significant morbidity of prostate surgery has led to renewed interest in the medical therapy of BPH. Both alpha 1 blockers and 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors have been shown to be effective in recent clinical trials in the treatment of BPH. Both these drugs are safe and their side effects reversible. Medical therapy has a bigger role to play now especially for those high risk patients with moderate to severe symptoms of BPH. Further development of more effective alpha blockers and anti-androgens with less side effects would make pharmacotherapy an even more attractive alternative than the more invasive procedures.