NP Medical News about Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists Urinary Retention Device Removal Urinary Catheterization

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Alpha blockers prior to removal of a catheter for acute urinary retention in adult men
Cochrane Reviews, 10/19/09

Zeif H–J et al. – In five clinical trials men were either given a sugar tablet (placebo, inactive drug) or alpha blockers for one to three days (and in one study up to a maximum of eight days) before the catheter was removed. The results suggested that alpha blocker treatment increased the chances of successful catheter removal and resumption of normal voiding although the overall scientific evidence available to support this was limited. Two different alpha blockers were tested (tamsulosin and alfuzosin). Their results were similar. Side effects caused by alpha blockers were few and comparable to placebo treatment. They included lack of ejaculation, dizziness, low blood pressure, fainting, sleepiness, feeling unwell and headache. There was not enough evidence to say whether alpha blockers also reduce the risk of suffering another (recurrent) episode of urinary retention after successful catheter removal or whether they reduce the need for future surgery on the prostate. It is therefore unclear whether or for how long alpha blocker treatment should be continued after successful catheter removal and whether the costs of alpha blocker treatment in such situations are justified.

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