What is the desired effect of an alpha adrenergic antagonist when treating BPH?

What is the desired effect of an alpha adrenergic antagonist when treating BPH?

• A. Relaxation of the bladder to storage.
• B. Bladder contraction to facilitate emptying.
• C. Relaxation of the bladder neck to enhance emptying.
• D. Tightening of the bladder neck to storing.

Answer: (C)

Alpha blockers work by relaxing the smooth muscle in the bladder neck and prostatic urethra. By blocking alpha-1 receptors in these tissues, outlet resistance decreases, making it easier for urine to flow out. The goal in treating BPH is to relieve this obstruction and improve emptying, not to cause the bladder to store urine or to contract the bladder itself. So the desired effect is relaxation of the bladder neck to enhance emptying.

Alpha blockers work by relaxing the smooth muscle in the bladder neck and prostatic urethra. By blocking alpha-1 receptors in these tissues, outlet resistance decreases, making it easier for urine to flow out. The goal in treating BPH is to relieve this obstruction and improve emptying, not to cause the bladder to store urine or to contract the bladder itself. So the desired effect is relaxation of the bladder neck to enhance emptying.