What are the advantages of alpha-blockers for easing B.P.H. symptoms?
Alpha-adrenergic blockers, more commonly known as alpha-blockers, were originally used to treat high blood pressure. When these drugs are used for B.P.H., they help reduce the tension of smooth muscles in blood vessel walls and relax smooth muscle tissue within the bladder neck and prostate. Daily use of an alpha-adrenergic blocker drug may increase urinary flow and relieve urinary frequency and nighttime urination. • What are the side effects of alpha-blockers? Possible side effects of alpha-blockers when used for treating B.P.H. may include dizziness upon standing (due to a drop in blood pressure), headache, stuffy nose or stomach distress. Some patients may also experience decreased semen volume in their ejaculate. • What are the advantages of the 5-alpha-reductase inhibiting medications for treating B.P.H.? Avodart (dutasteride) and Proscar (finasteride), the two 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, work by blocking an enzyme that starts the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestostero
