Urinary retention: Alpha-blockers (Formulary)

TAM (Treatments and Medicines) NHS Highland
NHS Highland

Alpha-blockers may cause intraoperative floppy iris syndrome; current or past use of alpha-blockers should be made known to the ophthalmic surgeon in advance of surgery.
Doxazosin is the most cost-effective alpha-blocker and has a low incidence of side-effects.

DOXAZOSIN - (First line)

Therapy notes

  • If patients have co-existing hypertension, doxazosin is an appropriate choice.
  • Use of doxazosin modified release tablets is not recommended.

Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Tablets 1mg, 2mg, 4mg

Dosage:

Initially 1mg daily; dose may be doubled at intervals of 1 to 2 weeks according to response, up to maximum 8mg daily; usual maintenance 2 to 4mg daily.

TAMSULOSIN

Therapy notes

  • Prescribe the lower cost generic tamsulosin modified release capsules in preference to the higher cost m/r tablets, which are non-Formulary.

Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Modified release capsules 400 micrograms

Dosage:

400 micrograms daily.

Editorial Information

Document Id: F250