UROLOGY DRUGS Flashcards
give an example of an alpha blocker
doxazosin, alfuzosin, Tamsulosin
how do alpha blockers work?
Blocks alpha 1 adrenoreceptor on smoth muscles in blood vessels adn urinary tract (bladder neck and prostate specifically) that mediates increase in muscle tone of prostate causing BPH. Which causes relaxation leading to vasodilation and fall in blood pressure which subsequently decrease urethral resistance/outflow
what is alpha blockers used to treat?
1st line treatment for BPH when life style changes are insufficient
Resistant hypertension
What side effects can alpha blockers cause after the first dose especially?
Similar to ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers?
Postural hypotension
Dizziness
Syncope
give an example of a 5-alpha reductase inhibitors
finasteride, Dutasteride
how does 5- alpha reducate inhibitors work?
Inhibits enzyme (5α-reductase) that converts testosterone to DHT (dihydroteseterone) androgen which stimulates prostate enlargement. Consequently reduces prostate size/growth and improves urinary frequency
when is finasteride used?
Second line treatment for symptomatic BPH
give 2 side effects of 5- alpha reducate inhibitors?
reduced libido
rash
Gynaecomastia
What other side effects do you get with alpha 1 blockers?
Dry mouth Headache depression oedema Rhinitis blurred vision
Dose of what drugs should be reduced initially when starting on alpha blockers?
Antihypertensives especially B blockers due to risk of hypotension
What serious side effect can occur in med when taking finasteride?
Breast cancer
Why is 5- alpha reducate inhibitors secondary to alpha 1 blocker?
It can take up to 5 months to see the effects
Using 5- alpha reducate inhibitors prevents the use of what surgical treatment?
Transurethral resection of the prostate
what are the contradictions with 5 alpha reductase inhibitor?
Hypersensitivity Pregnancy ( can cause abnormal external genitalia to a male feotus )--> should not have unprotected sex with a man who is on the drug or touch damaged tablets
