Although this study did not consider placebo effect and has high IPSS baseline scores , this study clarifies that low-dose tamsulosin has generally positive effect and safety in treatment of LUTS and could be a suitable option as an initial treatment , especially for patients with low body mass index , as is typical of Asian people
PURPOSE In Asian countries , low-dose tamsulosin ( 0.2 mg ) is used widely but this dose has been less popular than 0.4 mg tamsulosin or other types of alpha blockers .
The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of low-dose tamsulosin by systematic review and meta- analysis .
Long-term safety and efficacy of tamsulosin for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
PURPOSE We evaluated the long-term ( up to 6 years ) safety and efficacy of the selective alpha 1A-adrenoceptor antagonist tamsulosin in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia . MATERIAL S AND METHODS A total of 609 patients were enrolled in a 4-year multicenter open label extension study . Subjects entered the study after completion of a 1-year open label trial that included patients who previously completed up to 57 weeks of double-blind , placebo controlled studies . Maintenance doses ( 0.4 or 2 x 0.4 mg daily ) established in the 1-year study were continued . Efficacy and safety were assessed every 3 months . Primary efficacy evaluations were changes from baseline maximum urine flow rate and total American Urological Association symptom index , and the responder rates for those 2 end points . Secondary end points were changes in American Urological Association subset scores , Boyarsky symptom scores , average urine flow rate , post-void residual urine volume , quality of life index and investigator global assessment . RESULTS Of the 609 patients who entered the 4-year extension study 159 had a 2-year or greater prior experience with tamsulosin , yielding a potential 6-year experience on the medication . Of this 159 patient subset 109 completed the whole 6 years . Initial rapid improvements from baseline in primary and secondary end points were maintained each year throughout the duration of the study . Tamsulosin was well tolerated , confirming the safety profile demonstrated in earlier studies . Orthostatic hypotension was observed in 1.3 % of the patients . CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the sustained efficacy , safety and excellent long-term tolerability of tamsulosin for up to 6 years in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Although this study did not consider placebo effect and has high IPSS baseline scores , this study clarifies that low-dose tamsulosin has generally positive effect and safety in treatment of LUTS and could be a suitable option as an initial treatment , especially for patients with low body mass index , as is typical of Asian people
PURPOSE In Asian countries , low-dose tamsulosin ( 0.2 mg ) is used widely but this dose has been less popular than 0.4 mg tamsulosin or other types of alpha blockers .
The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of low-dose tamsulosin by systematic review and meta- analysis .