Khat chewing and bladder neck dysfunction. A randomized controlled trial of alpha 1-adrenergic blockade.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether the effect of chewing khat leaves (Catha edulis) on the urodynamics of healthy males is altered by the selective alpha 1-adrenergic blocking agent indoramin in a prospective randomized double-blind controlled trial.


METHODS
The urodynamics of 11 healthy males were studied before and during a khat chewing session preceded by indoramin or placebo.


RESULTS
Khat chewing produced a fall in average and maximum urine flow rate. This effect was inhibited by indoramin.


CONCLUSIONS
The urinary side-effects of khat chewing are probably mediated through stimulation of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors.
Nasher
A A
AA
Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sana'a, Republic of Yemen.
Qirbi
A A
AA
Ghafoor
M A
MA
Catterall
A
A
Thompson
A
A
Ramsay
J W
JW
Murray-Lyon
I M
IM
D000328:Adult; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D007217:Indoramin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018515:Plant Leaves; D010945:Plants, Edible; D014554:Urination / Q000187:drug effects*; D014563:Urodynamics / Q000187:drug effects
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D007217:Indoramin