Tamsulosin. A review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential in the management of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia
Abstract
Tamsulosin is the first subtype-selective (alpha IA) alpha 1 adrenoceptor antagonist with specificity for prostatic alpha 1 adrenoceptors (alpha 1A adrenoceptors are thought to be involved in prostatic smooth muscle contraction) to become available for the treatment of patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). With tamsulosin, the incidence of adverse events commonly associated with alpha 1 adrenoceptor antagonism is similar to that with placebo (except for ejaculation disorders) and alfuzosin. The incidence of other adverse events is similar with tamsulosin and placebo. Furthermore, blood pressure and heart rate are not significantly affected by tamsulosin in patients with symptomatic BPH. In contrast, blood pressure is significantly reduced by alfuzosin compared with tamsulosin. Tamsulosin is available as a controlled release formulation suitable for once daily administration; dose titration is not required. The overall efficacy of this agent administered at a dosage of 0.1 to 0.4 mg/day in Japan, 0.4 mg/day in Europe and 0.4 to 0.8 mg/day in the US to patients with symptomatic BPH is greater than that of placebo was similar to that of alfuzosin or prazosin in the 2 available studies. Efficacy was primaril...Continue Reading
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