A male patient placed on an alpha blocker for BPH complains of increased urinary frequency. What is the appropriate action?

The correct approach in this scenario is to leave the medication as is, recognizing that the alpha blocker is indeed fulfilling its purpose in managing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Alpha blockers help to relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, which can improve urinary flow and reduce symptoms of BPH.

Increased urinary frequency can sometimes occur as the body adjusts to the medication, or it might relate to other factors such as fluid intake, anxiety, or concurrent medical conditions. The alpha blocker is not designed to eliminate symptoms completely but rather to improve the quality of urination by easing obstruction. Therefore, if the patient is experiencing some improvement in urinary flow or related symptoms, it suggests that the medication is effective. Continuous monitoring may be warranted to ensure that the benefits outweigh any ongoing challenges the patient is facing.

Adjusting the dosage or changing the medication class could complicate the patient's management unnecessarily, especially if the primary goal of relieving BPH symptoms is being partially met. Likewise, increasing fluid intake doesn't necessarily address the medication's action on BPH and might lead to further complications such as increased frequency or urgency. Thus, the most prudent step is to allow the medication to continue working while monitoring the patient's overall response.