Can Silodosin ease Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia symptoms?

This study looked at using Silodosin (Rapaflo) to treat lower urinary tract symptoms caused by Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). It concluded that silodosin is an effective treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms. 

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. An enlarged prostate can affect bladder function and have a negative impact on quality of life. Treatments for BPH may include medication or surgery. Medications for BPH often result in many side effects while surgery can lead to complications.

Silodosin relaxes the smooth muscle of the prostate and bladder neck. This improves urine flow and reduces bladder blockage. In this study, silodosin is given as a second line therapy. This means that silodosin is given after the patient has been on another BPH drug for a period of time. 

73 men over the age of 50 were included in this study. 40 men were on 0.2mg/day tamsulosin (Flomax) and 33 men were on between 25-75mg/day naftopidil (Flivas). These men wanted to switch from tamsulosin and naftopidil because they were no longer satisfied with the treatments. They also still experienced reduced quality of life and prostate function. The men were put on 8 mg/day silodosin for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, the patients were assessed for symptoms and treatment satisfaction. 

Silodosin was found to improve symptoms and urinary function. Quality of life also improved in approximately 49% of patients. 13 of the patients were not satisfied with silodosin and wanted to switch back to tamsulosin or naftopidil. 12 patients experienced side effects such as soft stool, dry mouth, nausea and dizziness.

This study concluded that silodosin is an effective second line treatment for BPH and can improve a patient's quality of life. 

The authors note that cost of silodosin may affect a patient's decision to take the drug. 

If you are interested in taking silodosin, contact your doctor for more information.