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Effect of terfenadine on urination
H S Spaulding1, R S Sutherland, P R Sklarew
1Allergy/Immunology Service, Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado.
Annals of Allergy
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Terfenadine, a newer antihistamine, does not significantly affect urinary flow or symptoms in men, including those with benign prostatic hypertrophy. This study found no adverse impact on voiding in normal volunteers or patients with BPH.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Urology
Background:
- Anticholinergic effects of antihistamines can worsen urinary difficulties in men with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).
- Newer antihistamines with reduced anticholinergic properties may offer an alternative for allergy relief without impacting voiding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of terfenadine on voiding characteristics in normal male volunteers and patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy.
- To assess whether terfenadine, a newer antihistamine, exacerbates lower urinary tract symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was conducted in two phases.
- Phase I involved eight normal male volunteers; Phase II included 11 patients with documented benign prostatic hypertrophy.
- Subjects received terfenadine or placebo for 1 week, followed by a 1-week washout and crossover. Efficacy was assessed via skin testing, and voiding was evaluated using uroflowmetry and symptom assessment.
Main Results:
- Terfenadine effectively suppressed histamine skin test responses in both phases, confirming its antihistaminic efficacy.
- No significant changes in peak urinary flow rate were observed with terfenadine compared to placebo in either normal volunteers or BPH patients.
- Urinary symptom scores remained unchanged throughout the study for all participants.
Conclusions:
- Terfenadine, at the commonly recommended dosage, does not significantly alter voiding characteristics.
- The findings suggest that terfenadine is a safe option for patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy experiencing allergies and seeking relief from urinary difficulties.