From the Guidelines
Meclizine is not recommended for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) as it can potentially worsen urinary symptoms. Meclizine is an antihistamine with anticholinergic properties that can cause urinary retention by relaxing the bladder muscle and increasing resistance to urine flow, which may exacerbate BPH symptoms like weak stream, hesitancy, and incomplete bladder emptying 1. If you're taking meclizine for vertigo or motion sickness, discuss alternative medications with your healthcare provider. For men with BPH who need antihistamines, second-generation options like loratadine or cetirizine have fewer anticholinergic effects and may be safer alternatives.
Some key points to consider in the management of BPH include:
- The use of 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride for patients with LUTS associated with demonstrable prostatic enlargement 1
- The importance of assessing prostate size and shape in selecting patients for minimally invasive or surgical therapies 1
- The role of alpha-blockers like tamsulosin in improving LUTS symptoms 1
If you're experiencing worsening urinary symptoms while taking meclizine, contact your healthcare provider promptly. They might adjust your BPH medications (such as alpha-blockers like tamsulosin or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors like finasteride) to counteract these effects or recommend discontinuing meclizine altogether. It's essential to prioritize medications that improve BPH symptoms and minimize the risk of worsening urinary retention or other complications 1.
From the Research
Medications for BPH
- The medications used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) include alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Alpha-blockers, such as terazosin, doxazosin, and tamsulosin, work by relaxing the smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate 2, 6.
- 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, such as finasteride, work by shrinking the size of the prostate, which can help improve urine flow 2, 3, 5.
Meclizine and BPH
- There is no evidence to suggest that meclizine is used to treat BPH 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Meclizine is an antihistamine that is commonly used to treat vertigo, motion sickness, and other conditions, but it is not typically used to treat BPH.
Treatment Options for BPH
- Treatment options for BPH include medications, such as alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, as well as surgical procedures, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The choice of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, the size of the prostate, and the patient's overall health 2, 3, 4, 5.