Effect of Tamsulosin, a Selective alpha1A-adrenoreceptor Antagonist, in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Lee, Eun Sik; Lee, Chong Wook

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tamsulosin, a selective alpha1Aadrenoreceptor antagonist in the treatment of urinary outflow obstruction associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in Korean patients.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
The study was a single-blind and randomized design. Tamsulosin, fixed dose of 0.2 mg was taken once daily for 8 weeks. In control group, terazosin, a non-selective c 1-adrcnoreceptor antagonist was administrated with escalating dose of 1 to 5 mg once daily. The study enrolled 98 patients, and 72 patients were included in the analyses at weeks 4 and 8.
RESULTS
Both tamsulosin and terazosin had similar significant improvements in subjective and objective symptoms of urinary outflow obstruction (p<0.05). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures decreased significantly in the terazosin-treated patients (p<0.05). Adverse events, most frequently dry mouth and dizziness, usually mild and transient, were observed significantly more in patients on terazosin (18 patients versus I patients on tamsulosin, p<0.001) and led to discontinuation of therapy in two patients on terazosin.
CONCLUSION
Tamsulosin, a selective 1A-adrcnorcccptor antagonist, was effective in urinary outflow obstruction associated with BPH. The efficacy of tamsulosin was similar to terazosin, but had a marked better safety profile.