What Patient Queries About Alpha Blockers Do You Encounter While Managing BPH?

The primary BPH treatment involves medical management with alpha blockers (ABs), anticholinergics, phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, and beta-3 agonists.³ Among these, ABs are the first line of therapy for patients with bothersome, moderate-to-severe BPH/lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).²

However, BPH treatment with ABs involves a plethora of questions from the patients. The first question stands to be exactly how long ABs should be taken, for which the answer is at least 6 months.⁴ Further, patients at times discontinue BPH medications, and the associated next question turns out to be if ABs can be followed intermittently.^5,6

Conclusion

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is an emerging health concern in males with increasing prevalence globally as well as in India.^1,2 Treatment of BPH with ABs is associated with varied questions from the patients’ end that need to be answered in clinical practice.

CTA: Let us listen to the expert, Dr. V Surya Prakash, and delve further into the patient queries during the management of BPH/LUTS.

1. Ye Z, Wang J, Xiao Y, et al. Global burden of benign prostatic hyperplasia in males aged 60–90 years from 1990 to 2019: Results from the global burden of disease study 2019. BMC Urol. 2024;24(1):193.
2. Reddy M, Sarkar K, Sabnis R, et al. Algorithmic approach to benign prostatic hyperplasia: An Indian perspective. J Assoc Physicians India. 2024;72(7):e1–e7.
3. O'Quin C, White KL, Campbell JR, et al. Pharmacological approaches in managing symptomatic relief of benign prostatic hyperplasia: A comprehensive review. Cureus. 2023;15(12):e51314.
4. Cisternino A, Zeccolini G, Calpista A, et al. Obstructive primary bladder neck disease: Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of alpha1-blockers. Urol Int. 2006;76(2):150–153.
5. Rensing AJ, Kuxhausen A, Vetter J, et al. Differences in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: Comparing the primary care physician and the urologist. Urol Pract. 2017;4(3):193–199.
6. Kaplan SA, Reis RB, Cologna A, et al. Intermittent alpha-blocker therapy in the treatment of men with lower urinary tract symptoms. Urology. 1998;52(1):12–16.

LMRC CODE: GGI-CO-A1-AQS-300020632-BANNERS-J24-0656