Alfuzosin: an alpha1-receptor blocker for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2006 Apr;7(5):583-96. doi: 10.1517/14656566.7.5.583.

Abstract

Alpha1-receptor blockers have become first-line therapy for the medical management of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, adverse effects such as cardiovascular intolerance can limit their use. This article focuses on alfuzosin, a clinically uroselective, alpha1-adrenergic antagonist that is available as a novel once-daily formulation that does not require dose titration. Alfuzosin is less vasoactive than other non-subtype selective alpha1-receptor blockers. In addition to effects on lower urinary tract symptoms, it is also used as an adjunct to urethral catheterisation in patients with acute urinary retention related to benign prostatic hyperplasia, and can improve sexual function and health-related quality of life in benign prostatic hyperplasia sufferers.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists
  • Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / pharmacokinetics
  • Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prostatic Hyperplasia / complications
  • Prostatic Hyperplasia / drug therapy*
  • Quality of Life
  • Quinazolines / adverse effects
  • Quinazolines / pharmacokinetics
  • Quinazolines / therapeutic use*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / etiology
  • Urodynamics / drug effects
  • Urologic Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Urologic Diseases / etiology

Substances

  • Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists
  • Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists
  • Quinazolines
  • alfuzosin