Phenoxybenzamine for benign prostatic obstruction. Review of 200 cases

Two hundred patients treated with phenoxybenzamine for benign prostatic obstruction were reviewed. In 171 of these patients the treatment was given to relieve symptoms in patients not requiring operation, or in patients in whom operation was postponed. Eighty per cent of these patients derived benefit from the treatment, most commonly for the obstructive symptoms (78.7 per cent) but almost as often for nocturia (76 per cent). The treatment was also found to be useful in aiding catheter removal after an attack of acute retention, and in preventing recurrent attacks of acute retention. Side effects occurred in 30 per cent of patients, but necessitated cessation of treatment in only 10 per cent. They consisted of other alpha-blocking effects, and caused after stopping or reducing treatment.