New Drug Approved for Enlarged Prostate
New Drug Approved for Enlarged Prostate
A new medication has been approved for enlarged prostate (medical
term BHP, which stands for benign prostatic hyperplasia). This
condition affects millions of men and the likelihood of its occurrence
increases, such that most men over the age of 80 are affected. With BHP,
the prostate gland gets larger and begins to press against the urethra.
The pressure makes it difficult for urine to flow from the bladder through
the urethra. Symptoms include a feeling of the need to urinate more
frequently especially at night, urine retention, increased risk of urinary
tract infection, and the potential for kidney damage.
One group of drugs used to treat BHP is referred to as alpha
blockers. These drugs, which include Flomax (tamsulosin), and Hytrin
(terazosin) block special receptors located in the prostate gland, bladder,
and urethra. Blocking these receptors relaxes smooth muscles around
these glands and improves the flow of urine. The FDA recently approved
a new alpha blocker called Rapaflo (silodosin). In two different
12 week studies, compared to placebo, Rapaflo significantly improved
BPH symptoms and urinary flow rate.