Urology

Question 1

what class of drug is doxazosin?

Answer 1

alpha blocker

Question 2

how do alpha blockers work?

Answer 2

Highly selective for alpha1-adrenoreceptor (found in smooth muscle) and blocking causes relaxtation by causing vasodilation (fall in blood pressure) and reduced resistance to bladder outflow

Question 3

what are the indications to take alpha blockers?

Answer 3

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, add-on treatment for resistant hypertension (when other treatment not sufficient)

Question 4

what are the contraindications to taking alpha blockers?

Answer 4

Existing postural hypotension, history of micturition syncope

Question 5

what are the side effects of alpha blockers?

Answer 5

Dizziness, syncope, anxiety, back pain, coughing, dyspnoea, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, myalgia, paraesthesia, sleep disturbance, vertigo

Question 6

what class of drug is finasteride?

Answer 6

5 alpha reductase inhibitor

Question 7

how does finasteride work?

Answer 7

Reduce size of prostate gland by inhibiting 5alpha-reductase (which converts testosterone to active metabolites which stimulate prostatic growth) – can take several months to have an effect

Question 8

what are the indications to take finasteride?

Answer 8

Second line for benign prostatic hyperplasia (after alpha-blockers)

Question 9

what are the contraindications to taking finasteride?

Answer 9

Pregnant women (present in semen, will effect foetus – wear a condom)

Question 10

what are the side effects of finasteride?

Answer 10

Impotence, reduced libido, gynaecomastia, male breast cancer, testicular pain