In a nutshell
This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of silodosin (Rapaflo) to treat patients with urinary symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH – an enlarged prostate). The study found that silodosin improved urinary symptoms and quality of life in patients with BPH who did not respond to tamsulosin (Flomax).
Some background
Tamsulosin is a common drug used to treat BPH. It works on receptors in the bladder that help relax bladder muscles. However, some patients may not respond to this drug or experience side effects. Whether switching to silidosin (a similar drug) is effective in these patients has not been fully studied.
Methods & findings
96 patients were included in the study. Patients with BPH were taking tamsulosin 0.4 mg once daily for 12 months and not responding to therapy. All patients were switched to silodosin 8 mg once daily.
After 8 weeks, average prostate symptoms were reduced and bladder symptoms improved. In total, 18 patients (18.5%) achieved a clinically meaningful reduction in prostate symptoms.
Quality of life also improved from the beginning to 8 weeks. Side effects were found in 19.7% of patients and included problems with ejaculation (in 15.9% of patients).
The bottom line
The study concluded that silodosin was an effective treatment for BPH in patients not responding to tamsulosin.
The fine print
The dose of silodosin was higher than the dose of tamsulosin in the study. This can affect treatment response.
Published By :
European review for medical and pharmacological sciences
Date :
Nov 01, 2017
