A Comparative Study on the Safety and Efficacy of Tamsulosin and Alfuzosin in the Management of Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

This randomized, double-blind, parallel-design trial compared the efficacy and safety of tamsulosin and alfuzosin in 76 men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. Patients were randomized to receive 0.2 mg tamsulosin once daily orally (n = 40) or 10 mg alfuzosin once daily orally (n = 36), and changes in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximal urinary flow rate (Q_max) and the Danish prostatic symptom sexual function score and morbidity rates were compared after 8 weeks of treatment. There was a mean overall decrease in the IPSS, with no significant difference between the treatment groups. There was an overall increase in the Q_max, which again was similar in the two groups. There was no significant change in the sexual function scores in either group. The incidence of adverse events was similar for tamsulosin (25%) and alfuzosin (19.4%) therapy. In conclusion, both treatment regimens similarly improved the IPSS and Q_max, did not alter sexual function and were well tolerated.

Keywords

Tamsulosin Alfuzosin Lower urinary tract symptoms Benign prostatic hyperplasia International Prostate Symptom Score Urinary flow rate Danish prostatic symptom sexual function score

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