Guthrie RM
Doxazosin for the treatment of patients with hypertension and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia
11th Scientific Meeting, American Society of Hypertension
Am J Hypert (Apr) 9:119A 1996

This multicenter trial of doxazosin evaluated efficacy in 212 older hypertensive males with BPH. These men were either previously untreated, pre-treated but poorly controlled (DBP>90), or pre-treated and well controlled. Apparently, previous medications were continued, and doxazosin was titrated over 5 weeks to a final dose of up to 16 mg/day, based on BP control and BPH symptom response. All groups showed significant improvement in BPH symptoms as measured by several AUA symptom scoring batteries. BP was lowered in all 3 groups, but predominantly in the untreated and poorly controlled groups; well controlled patients had only minor additional falls in BP. The drug was stopped in 8% of patients due to side effects. z

Comment: This study confirms the approach of rational drug prescription, that is, choice of agents based on secondary pharmacologic effects. In this case, a peripheral alpha antagonist was shown to effective for BP control, and to have the predicted beneficial effect on symptoms of BPH. Long term studies would be useful to analyze the durability of the responses and the potential cost savings from such an approach. (James A. Sondheimer MD, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI)

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11th Scientific Meeting, American Society of Hypertension
H: Drug therapy : Alpha and alpha/beta blockers
H: Special problems : Elderly