Alpha-1-adrenoceptor blockade in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

In light of the growing interest in the concept of 'uroselectivity' and in the increased worldwide use of alpha-blockers for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), this review evaluates the relative benefits of various alpha-blocking agents in the treatment of BPH. The pharmacological and physiological selectivity as well as the clinical efficacy and safety of alfuzosin, doxazosin (Cardura(R)), tamsulosin (Flomax(R)), and terazosin (Hytrin(R)) are compared. In reviewing efficacy and safety, emphasis is given to 17 placebo-controlled, double-blind trials of these alpha-blockers published in peer-reviewed journals. This review also considers long-term data, effects on blood pressure, costs, and dose ranges.