Abstract
The effects of naftopidil on obstructive lower urinary tract function and the clinical usefulness of the drug were studied in 16 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), 25 to 75 mg of naftopidil being administered to each patient daily over a 4- to 6-week period. There was significant improvement in subjective symptoms compared with the pretreatment condition in 69% of patients. Similarly, the maximum flow rate, average flow rate, residual urine volume, residual urine ratio, and maximum urethral closure pressure were significantly improved. Voided volume, voiding time, maximum cystometric capacity, maximum pressure of the full bladder, compliance of the bladder, and maximum urethral pressure were altered but not significantly. No side effects occurred; in particular, there was no dramatic drop in blood pressure. There were no abnormal laboratory findings. These results suggest that naftopidil is useful to treat BPH, as it improves the obstructive signs and symptoms. Naftopidil lowers urethral resistance because of its effects on the α1-adrenergic receptors in the prostate and urethra.
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