Alpha Blockers in the Clinical Treatment of Female Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction

Female lower urinary tract dysfunction involving symptoms of frequency, urgency, urinary incontinence and voiding dysfunction have been shown to adversely affect quality of life (QoL) and the treatment outcomes have been unsatisfactory. The treatment options include lifestyle modifications, behavioral therapy, pelvic floor muscle training, bladder training and drug therapy. Muscarinic receptor antagonists are the first-line drugs of use. However, they are associated with the typical anticholinergic side-effects of dry mouth, somnolence, constipation and blurred vision, and thus compliance with therapy is often poor. α-adrenergic receptor antagonists are currently used in men with lower urinary tract symptoms. A selective α1-adrenoceptor antagonist that is known to have greaters pecificity for α1-A and α1-D receptors than for α1-B receptors might have a role in the management of overactive bladder in women. A selective α1-adreroceptor antagonist such as terazosin is effective in improving the quality of life and female lower urinary tract symptoms, especially in those with frequency and straining. Yet, it is ineffective for treating overactive bladder in women.