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Updated: May 27, 2026
06:04
Surgical Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP).
Published on: March 6, 2018
α-Blockers for benign prostatic hyperplasia: the new era.
Herbert Lepor1, Amir Kazzazi, Bob Djavan
1Department of Urology, New York University School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, USA. herbert.lepor@nyumc.org
Current Opinion in Urology
|November 15, 2011
Summary
Alpha-1 blockers are key for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Newer drugs like silodosin offer improved selectivity and safety, with some not requiring dose titration for effective LUTS/BPH relief.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Urology
Background:
- Alpha-1 adrenoceptor blockers are a primary medical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH).
- The evolution of these blockers includes new formulations and recently approved drugs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development of alpha-1 adrenoceptor blockers.
- To emphasize newly approved drugs for LUTS/BPH treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of alpha-1 adrenoceptor blockers.
- Analysis of approved drugs by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Main Results:
- Five long-acting alpha-1 blockers are FDA-approved: terazosin, doxazosin, tamsulosin, alfuzosin, and silodosin.
- Silodosin demonstrates high selectivity for alpha-1 adrenoceptor subtypes, contributing to a favorable cardiovascular safety profile.
- Tamsulosin, slow-release alfuzosin, and silodosin do not require dose titration.
Conclusions:
- Alfuzosin, terazosin, doxazosin, and silodosin effectively manage LUTS/BPH regardless of prostate size.
- Silodosin has a low incidence of orthostatic hypotension but may cause abnormal ejaculation.
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