Rosh Emergency Medicine Practice Test

What side effect should a patient taking a first-line medication for urinary symptoms be warned about?

1. Decreased libido

2. Dizziness

3. Flushing

4. Urinary retention

The correct answer is: Flushing

In the context of first-line medications commonly used to treat urinary symptoms, particularly those related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men or overactive bladder in both men and women, it's important to identify the side effects characteristic of these treatments. Medications like anticholinergics, which are often prescribed for overactive bladder, can lead to various side effects. Flushing is one such side effect that can arise from these medications, primarily due to their effect on the autonomic nervous system. When these drugs cause vasodilation or inhibit sweat production, patients may experience flushing as a physical manifestation. This side effect is particularly noteworthy because it can be uncomfortable, prompting patients to report it to their healthcare provider. In contrast, while dizziness can occur with various medications, it is not as directly associated with first-line agents for urinary symptoms as flushing is. Similarly, urinary retention is more of a concern with certain other medications, particularly those with more extensive anticholinergic properties or those affecting alpha-adrenergic receptors, rather than being a common side effect of first-line urinary symptom treatments. Decreased libido is less common and may not be as immediately relevant when discussing typical side effects of the first-line medications employed specifically for urinary symptoms.