OTC drugs may exacerbate prostate problems

Men with slow urinary flow caused by an enlarged prostate gland (BPH – Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) maybe exacerbating their condition by taking over-the-counter (OTC) drugs such as cold, cough and allergy remedies and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen. 

Two studies one from Holland (late stage BPH) and one from the USA (early stage BPH) have come out at the same time. At first glance the studies seem contradictory, but a closer look suggests that NSAIDs may be both friend and foe, depending on the stage of BPH and the part of the urinary tract that’s vulnerable. The American study suggests that NSAIDs are beneficiary in the early stages of BPH and the Dutch study suggests they exacerbate BPH symptoms in the later stages of the disease.

Harvard Men’s Health Watch suggests that if men notice an increase in BPH symptoms while taking an NSAID, they should inform their doctors and reduce or avoid NSAIDs.

Penny Harrington

b5 media Genetics and Health correspondent