title: Clinical uroselectivity of alfuzosin in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
abstract: The efficacy of alfuzosin in improving lower urinary tract symptoms and relieving bladder outlet obstruction has been demonstrated in numerous short- and long-term placebo-controlled studies and large-scale open studies, involving over 16,000 patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Treatment with sustained release alfuzosin (5 mg twice daily) for 3 months resulted in a 5-point reduction in the International Prostate Symptom Score and a 29% increase in urinary flow rate. The benefits of alfuzosin have been confirmed in general practice. A 1-year prospective study of 5,849 men with clinical BPH treated with alfuzosin showed a 51% reduction in mean total symptom score, with a 56% decrease in mean irritative symptoms. Improvement in health-related quality of life of 3 years' duration have been recorded, including a reduction in the frequency of both diurnal and nocturnal micturition. Alfuzosin has a good safety profile. Unlike most other alpha1-blockers, a low risk of first-dose effect is seen, conveniently eliminating the necessity of dose titration at initiation of therapy. Postural symptoms related to orthostatic hypotension (a common side-effect of alpha1-blockers) are infrequent, including in the elderly and hypertensives. Central nervous system effects are also limited due to poor penetration of the blood-brain barrier. In conclusion, the positive benefits/risk ratio of alfuzosin allows it to be classified as a uroselective alpha1-blocker, which provides a beneficial contribution to the management of symptomatic BPH.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, St. George's Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Kirby
mesh_terms: D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D006801:Humans; D007024:Hypotension, Orthostatic / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001748:Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D011799:Quinazolines; C047638:alfuzosin