Effectiveness of Alpha-Blockers
The four main alpha-blocker drugs in use today have been evaluated in several placebo-controlled studies. About 70 to 80% of men who try alpha-blockers have a satisfactory response. Most doctors start men out with alpha-blockers instead of other treatments because there is a better chance a patient will respond to them, and to respond more quickly.
When a patient's symptoms are evaluated after treatment with an alpha-blocker, the results show that the drugs all have very similar effectiveness. About a 25% to 35% improvement in symptom score and a 15% to 25% improvement in peak urinary flow rate are generally seen in patients.
Studies have shown that the effectiveness of an alpha-blocker is maintained for at least three years, and there does not appear to be any increase in side effects. However, further long-term research is needed.
