Prazosin treatment of neurological patients with detrusor hyperreflexia and bladder emptying disability

In a placebo-controlled clinical trial with cross-over design the effect of alpha-adrenoceptor blockade with prazosin was studied in 18 neurological patients with detrusor hyperreflexia and bladder emptying disability. During active treatment both the distance to maximal urethral closure pressure (MUCP) and MUCP were significantly reduced. In addition, the volume at first bladder contraction was increased. The urodynamic parameters measured during voiding were unaffected. We conclude that prazosin decreases detrusor hyperreflexia but only in rare cases may benefit bladder emptying in these patients.