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Medicines to Avoid if You Have Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Some medicines can make urination difficult.

  • Avoid nonprescription antihistamines, decongestants (including nasal sprays), and allergy pills.
  • Ask your doctor if prescription medicines, such as antidepressants and pain medicines, could be making your symptoms worse. He or she may be able to switch your medicine.
  • Avoid testosterone, including gels, implants, or injections.
  • Check with your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects of the medicines, supplements, or herbs you are taking. If urinary retention is listed as a side effect, ask your doctor whether there are other medicines you can take that do not have this side effect.
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer J. Curtis Nickel, MD, FRCSC - Urology
Last Revised March 5, 2012

Last Revised: March 5, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & J. Curtis Nickel, MD, FRCSC - Urology

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