Current concepts in the pharmacotherapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Abstract

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a major men’s health issue, with ∼ 80% of all men developing this condition within their lifetime. A variety of oral treatments is available, including α-adrenoceptor antagonists (α-blockers), 5αreductase inhibitors, aromatase inhibitors and phytotherapy. A large number of α-blockers can be administered, but no single agent has demonstrated a clear superiority over the other drugs. 5αReductase inhibitors have demonstrated similar efficacy in larger volume prostates but most evidence suggests that there is no benefit in combining them with α-blockers. The use of phytotherapy is not entirely novel but requires further long-term evaluation before it can be endorsed for clinical use in benign prostatic hyperplasia.

• α
• -blockers
• 5αreductase inhibitors
• aromatase inhibitors
• benign prostatic hyperplasia
• medical management
• phytotherapy