In a nutshell
This study compared two types of alpha-blockers – tamsulosin (Flomax) and naftopidil (Avodart) – in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Researchers reported similar improvements in urinary symptoms across the two treatment groups.
Some background
BPH can cause bothersome urinary symptoms that affect quality of life. Men with BPH commonly experience problems passing as well as storing urine. Drugs that are often prescribed for BPH include alpha-blockers such as tamsulosin and naftopidil. Alpha-blockers work by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate. Which type of alpha-blocker is more effective in reducing storage symptoms associated with BPH is still being investigated.
Methods & findings
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of tamsulosin and naftopidil.
94 men with BPH were included. All men had been taking tamsulosin for at least 8 weeks with persisting urinary symptoms. After 1 week of no treatment, patients were randomly assigned to treatment groups. 45 men received 0.2 mg of tamsulosin every day. 49 men received 75 mg of naftopidil every day. Treatment lasted 8 weeks. Physical examinations and questionnaires recorded urinary symptoms before and after treatment.
At 8 weeks, tamsulosin and naftopidi were both associated with significantly reduced urinary symptoms. Storage symptoms, nocturia (waking up in the nighttime to urinate), and overactive bladder symptoms were all significantly improved in both treatment groups. Urinary flow rate was only significantly increased among men treated with tamsulosin.
The bottom line
Researchers concluded that naftopidi was similar to tamsulosin in effectiveness.
The fine print
Larger studies that also record differences in the rate of side effects are needed to confirm these findings.
Published By :
Urology
Date :
Jun 14, 2017
