Final answer:
Alpha-1 receptor antagonists such as tamsulosin, doxazosin, and alfuzosin are used to treat urinary retention in BPH by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck. Tamsulosin is a preferred choice due to its selectivity, causing fewer side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Special alpha-1 receptor antagonists are used to treat urinary retention related to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Alpha-1 receptors, when activated, cause smooth muscle contraction including the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck. This can lead to symptoms of urinary retention in men with BPH. Antagonists of these receptors can relax these muscles, thus improving urine flow and reducing symptoms. Medications used for this purpose include drugs such as tamsulosin, doxazosin, and alfuzosin. These medications specifically target the alpha-1 receptors in the prostate and bladder to alleviate urinary difficulties.
Tamsulosin, in particular, is often preferred due to its selectivity for the alpha-1A receptors found predominantly in the prostate, resulting in fewer side effects related to blood pressure regulation which is mediated through alpha-1B receptors.