Current concepts in the pharmacotherapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2002 Dec;3(12):1727-37. doi: 10.1517/14656566.3.12.1727.

Abstract

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a major men's health issue, with approximately 80% of all men developing this condition within their lifetime. A variety of oral treatments is available, including alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists (alpha-blockers), 5alpha reductase inhibitors, aromatase inhibitors and phytotherapy. A large number of alpha-blockers can be administered, but no single agent has demonstrated a clear superiority over the other drugs. 5alpha Reductase inhibitors have demonstrated similar efficacy in larger volume prostates but most evidence suggests that there is no benefit in combining them with alpha-blockers. The use of phytotherapy is not entirely novel but requires further long-term evaluation before it can be endorsed for clinical use in benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Estrogen Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phytotherapy
  • Prostatic Hyperplasia / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Estrogen Antagonists