International Digest

Terazosin therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia

Canadian Medical Association Journal 1996; 155: 734

Source: Elhilali MM, Ramsey EW, Barkin J, Casey RW, Boake RC, Beland G. A multicenter, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of terazosin in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Urology 1996; 47: 335-42.

Canadian researchers evaluated the efficacy of the long-acting alpha-1-adrenoceptor blocker terazosin (1 to 10 mg once daily) in alleviating symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial involving 164 men aged 50 to 80 years. Over 24 weeks of treatment, mean improvements in obstructive, irritative and total Boyarsky symptom scores, American Urological Association urinary symptom scores and investigator global assessment scores were significantly greater for the terazosin group than for the placebo group. Terazosin therapy was also found to increase peak and average urine flow rates without affecting voided or residual volume. Most adverse events were mild or moderate. Although significant decreases in blood pressure were noted in the treatment group, terazosin therapy did not affect blood pressure control in patients receiving concurrent antihypertensive medication.

| CMAJ September 15, 1996 (vol 155, no 6) |