7.4.1 Drugs for urinary retention

For the NICE Pathway on The Management of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men click here

General Guidance

• Acute retention is painful and should be treated by catheterisation.
• Chronic retention is painless. Catheterisation is usually only necessary if there is a deterioration in renal function or incontinence.
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia should be treated either surgically or medically.

Recommended drugs

Tamsulosin MR capsules £

Doxazosin £

2nd line

Alfuzosin ££

Indoramin ££

Prazosin £

As section 6.4.2

Finasteride plus Tamsulosin £££

Finasteride plus Doxazosin ££

Tamsulosin plus Dutasteride (Combodart) ££

Drug Traffic Light Key:

Green – On Formulary

Amber – Restricted use, see local guidelines      

Purple – Specialist use/initiation

Red – Non Formulary

Relative Costs Key (where indicated):

£££££ - high

£££ - moderate

£ - low