Which medication is associated with exacerbating benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms?

Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that has anticholinergic effects, which can lead to urinary retention and exacerbate symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is characterized by an enlarged prostate that can obstruct the flow of urine, leading to difficulties such as hesitancy, incomplete bladder emptying, and increased urinary frequency. The anticholinergic properties of nortriptyline can cause relaxation of the bladder detrusor muscle and increased resistance to urine flow, thereby worsening these symptoms.

Understanding the role of medications in urinary function is crucial for managing patients with BPH. The other options, such as lisinopril, clonidine, and aspirin, do not typically have the same anticholinergic effects that would directly contribute to worsening BPH symptoms. Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, is often used to manage blood pressure and does not significantly affect prostate symptoms. Clonidine, while it can impact blood pressure and cause sedation, does not have a strong direct link to exacerbating urinary symptoms related to BPH. Aspirin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is not known to influence the prostate or bladder function in a way that would worsen BPH