Pharmacology for common urologic diseases: 2011 review for the primary care physician

Coordination of care between the urologist and primary care physician is critical to effective treatment of a variety of urologic conditions. Medical therapies for benign prostatic hyperplasia, erectile dysfunction, hypogonadism, overactive bladder, and prostate cancer are widely available and a basic understanding of the pathophysiology of these disease states as well as the pharmacology of existing treatment options are necessary to avoid complications and maximize efficacy associated with patient outcomes. Important regulatory decisions have been made concerning the approval and lack of approval of several important urologic medications. Major advances have been made in the therapy of castrate resistant prostate cancer as well as hormonal related skeletal events secondary to advanced carcinoma of the prostate. We provide a 2011 update of the available medications for treatment of several common urologic diseases.