Question:

What are the risks for a 54 year old male taking alpha blockers for BPH who also exercises at high intensity levels?

7 March 2007 note: This question is over 2 years old and may differ to any new research.

Unfortunately, we cannot answer this question.

We found no guidelines or studies reporting on adverse effects of high-intensity exercising in patients taking alpha blockers for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia.

The SPC for doxazosin warns of postural hypotension:

“Postural Hypotension/Syncope: As with all alpha-blockers, a very small percentage of patients have experienced postural hypotension evidenced by dizziness and weakness, or rarely loss of consciousness (syncope), particularly with the commencement of therapy (see section 4.2 Posology and method of administration). When instituting therapy with any effective alpha-blocker, the patient should be advised how to avoid symptoms resulting from postural hypotension and what measures to take should they develop. The patient should be cautioned to avoid situations where injury could result, should dizziness or weakness occur during the initiation of Cardura therapy.” [1]

A search in the Medline database located a number of articles on the effects of alpha blockers on exercise performance; however, these were studies that had recruited hypertensive patients. No studies appear to assess the impact of vigorous exercise in patients taking alpha blockers for hypertension or BPH.

Given the lack of research and guidance in this area, the NLH Q & A Service would suggest seeking advice from a local specialist.


References
1. SPC for Cardura. March 2007. (http://emc.medicines.org.uk/emc/industry/default.asp?page=displaydoc.asp&documentid=1456).

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