What You Should Know About Prazosin For BPH

In the United States, the FDA approved four alpha-adrenergic blockers to be used to manage BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). Two of these medicines are currently prescribed for managing hypertension. Prazosin, one of the oldest alpha 1 adrenergic receptors, is approved for tackling high blood pressure. While patients are using Prazosin to treat mild to moderate benign prostatic hyperplasia. (1)

Currently, a patient can treat their prostatic hyperplasia with both pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy. In this guide, we take a closer look at Prazosin BPH and its effect on this health condition. Here is a detailed analysis of this drug for prostatic hyperplasia treatment. 

Note: We at Ben’s Natural Health favor natural treatment alternatives over drugs. Due to their potential to cause side effects, we don’t like to encourage readers to choose any medication. Unless advised by a medical professional. The information collected here is for educational purposes only. 

BPH – A Quick Look At This Common Prostate Ailment 

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a highly prevalent condition of the prostate. The organ surrounding the urethra, the tube meant to carry the sperm and urine out of the system. Prostatic hyperplasia causes a notable impact on quality of life, affecting roughly one-third of men in their 50s. 

The older the patient, the bigger the risk for BPH, with the prostate condition being evident in up to 90% of men by the age of 85. In an aging patient, the ailment can trigger lower urinary tract symptoms. Such as:

• Dribbling or slow urinary flow
• Urinary retention
• The constant need to urinate, particularly at night
• Trouble getting to urinate
• Pain after peeing or ejaculating
• Smelly or “funny” looking urine (i.e., an enlarged prostate can cause a change in urine color, like blood in the urine)

According to experts, 14 million Americans experience symptoms of this prostate ailment. On a global scale, 30 million men have symptoms linked to prostatic hyperplasia. The enlarged prostate can also cause blockages of the urethra, particularly if you leave the benign prostatic hypertrophy untreated for a very long time. This, in turn, can lead to a bladder infection. As well as kidney damage, inability to urinate, etc. Depending on the type of ailment, sometimes a transurethral resection treatment may become necessary. (2) (3)

Prazosin – What Is It, and What Can It Offer for the Prostate?

Key Facts

• Prazosin is an FDA-approved medication for elevated blood pressure only. Or when combined with another antihypertensive drug. It’s not a first-line of treatment. 
• Research shows that Prazosin provides a therapeutic benefit for benign prostatic hyperplasia, PTSD, blood pressure, and other ailments. It’s the first alpha-adrenergic blocker to be used for prostatic hyperplasia. (4)
• Prazosin is an alternative to phenoxybenzamine (a nonspecific alpha-blocker) since it’s cheaper. But, more data is necessary to know which of the two are more effective. 

Prazosin is an a1 adrenergic receptor antagonist. With the help of alpha 1 adrenergic receptors, the smooth muscle relaxes, thus decreasing blood pressure and vascular resistance. Its components make it a solid choice to provide the body with beneficial cognitive elements and reduce PTSD-related nightmares. It’s an oral medicine, meaning you take a capsule as prescribed. 

Basic Overview of Prazosin

How Does It Work?

Prazosin controls hypertension but can’t cure it. The adrenergic receptor is here to relax the blood vessels and amplify blood flow. If people don’t regulate their blood pressure, their condition can cause significant damage to the kidneys, heart, vessels, and brain. Contact a doctor if you experience any changes in your health after taking the medication. (5)

What Does Prazosin Have to Do With Prostatic Hyperplasia?

According to 2021 reports, Prazosin relaxes the smooth muscle, therefore improving the urine flow rate. This relaxation goes all the way to the prostate and bladder neck. The main perk of this medication over non-selective alpha-blockers is the lower rate of adverse reactions. (6)

Studies indicate that Prazosin creates a superior effect to placebo. Mainly for managing urinary symptoms and urine flow. That’s why many doctors prescribe Prazosin therapy for prostatic hyperplasia. The results of the agent appear relatively quickly. But, if the person uses it for over 2 years, then their efficiency can subside. So, the doctor may suggest increasing the dose. This could happen if the size of the prostate increases or the body develops other health problems. 

Other than Prazosin, doctors could use a different medication. These include:

• Terazosin
• Finasteride
• Doxazosin
• Tamsulosin

Terazosin is another popular medication for prostatic hyperplasia. Because of its once-a-day dose, people tend to have better tolerance and compliance than a shorter-acting a-blocker. Roughly 70% of users who take 10mg of Terazosin a day can expect to experience a higher than 30% improvement in their complete symptom score. 

Finasteride is one of the 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors that can lessen the prostate volume by a minimum of 20% in more than 40% of patients. Despite the notable improvements in symptom management, Finasteride’s clinical merit is modest as opposed to placebo treatment. (7)

Doxazosin is also used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Based on trials, Doxazosin provided a 1 to 2 point improvement in this prostate ailment. But, more research is necessary to evaluate its full impact. (8)

For some patients, Tamsulosin may prove useful. Since Tamsulosin can relax the bladder muscles, it can help the prostate gland function properly. Thus, allowing the affected individual to pee with less discomfort. Additional meds include Alfuzosin and Dutasteride. (9)

As you can see, the medical treatment will vary. Doctors can suggest one medication over the other depending on how your body is taking it. Blood pressure medication is here to curb the symptomatic BPH. While combination therapy may be used for more rigorous treatments. Prazosin hydrochloride is a popular medication for benign prostatic hyperplasia. But, it could also be replaced with any of these alternatives. 

Adverse Reactions From Prazosin for BPH

Other than the prostate ailment, this drug is used to treat some types of heart failure and Raynaud’s disease. Just like with any medical therapy, Prazosin BPH can cause side effects. Some of the side effects of Prazosin include:

• Orthostatic hypotension
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Insufficient energy 
• Weakness
• Drowsiness
• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Stuffy nose

Treating BPH With Natural alternatives – Is That a Thing?

Now that we’ve taken a closer look at the different BPH drugs, it’s also important to mention the natural treatment alternatives. Other than an individual or combination therapy for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia, experts have studied the effects of natural therapy. 

Implementing healthy lifestyle changes with regular physical activity can ease some of the BPH symptoms. Consult with a specialist for more complex problems like urinary tract infection, erectile dysfunction, or retrograde ejaculation. Since we are fans of everything natural, it’s safe to say we collected the latest statistics that can give you a quick insight. Here are some of the most notable choices. (10)

Saw Palmetto 

As one of the most studied herbal supplements, this one is used to manage prostate ailments. Many reports link the supplement to decreased prostatic hyperplasia symptoms. Probably because it can inhibit DHT (dihydrotestosterone) production, and lessen the prostate’s inner lining. (11)

Some experts have used 320 mg daily intake of this supplement and split it into 2 doses. The initial dose will vary based on the form of supplement. But, there isn’t enough research on whether it could be useful compared to a placebo for benign prostatic hyperplasia. So, it is best to consult with a doctor first. (12)

Stinging Nettle

Although it may seem far-fetched, the stinging nettle is packed with similar anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties found in saw palmetto. Therefore, it could make for a practical choice when combined with that herbal supplement. However, more data is necessary to confirm its full benefit. (13)

Pumpkin Seed

These seeds are rich in beta-sitosterol, which is quite like cholesterol but present in plants. Small-scale reports show that this compound could help with urine flow and decrease the leftover urine in the bladder. For managing benign prostatic hyperplasia, taking 10g of pumpkin seed extract a day may prove helpful. (14)

Lycopene

One research found that lycopene could inhibit disease progression in benign prostatic hyperplasia. This powerful antioxidant can be found in foods like tomatoes, apricots, papaya, carrots, red cabbage. It supplies the prostate with beneficial properties. However, its preventive use for prostate cancer is still up for debate. (15) 

Zinc

There is a possible link between a chronic zinc deficiency and the risk of developing prostatic hyperplasia. So, taking it in the form of a supplement may provide the prostate with some beneficial compounds. One study was aimed at comparing the zinc levels in the prostate tissue and urine. As well as plasma from people with prostatic hyperplasia or prostatic cancer. 

Based on the reports, it is clear that both ailments could be associated with a decrease in tissue zinc levels. As well as plasma zinc. To find an abundance of zinc in natural sources, add seafood, poultry, seeds, and nuts to your diet. Particularly pumpkin and sesame seeds. (16)

Conclusion

Every form of treatment, whether it is pharmacological or non-pharmacological, has its uses. However, their effects vary. To find the best treatment for your ailment, always consult a specialist. They can let you in on all you need to know about your current condition. 

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