Alpha-adrenergic agents in urinary disorders of the proximal urethra. Part I. Sphincteric incontinence.

Phenylpropanolamine, an alpha receptor stimulant, was found effective in 11 of 13 female and 6 of 7 male patients with sphincteric incontinence. In all the male patients except 1, the incontinence has followed prostatectomy. Side effects occurred in only 1 patient. As a rule, the benficial response depended on the therapy being continued. The results are consistent with the distribution of alpha receptors and their effect in the proximal urethra.