JAOA
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     

JAOA • Vol 108 • No 7 • July 2008 • 333-337
This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Fine, S. R.
Right arrow Articles by Ginsberg, P.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Fine, S. R.
Right arrow Articles by Ginsberg, P.

REVIEW ARTICLE

Alpha-Adrenergic Receptor Antagonists in Older Patients With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Issues and Potential Complications

 Shari R. Fine, DO; Phillip Ginsberg, DO, JD

From Christ Hospital in Jersey City (Dr Fine) and the Division of Urology at the Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia (Dr Ginsberg).

Address correspondence to Shari R. Fine, DO, University of Medicine and Dentistry of the New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, 324 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07307.E-mail: sfine324{at}verizon.net

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is highly prevalent in men older than 50 years and is associated with a range of lower urinary tract symptoms that may have a negative impact on patient quality of life. Alpha1-adrenergic receptor antagonists are the first-line of pharmacologic management for lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH. However, many patients take multiple medications that may exacerbate age-related orthostatic hypotension. Thus, clinicians should evaluate the treatment of these patients within the context of comorbidities. The present article discusses the role of non–subtype-selective and subtype-selective {alpha}1-adrenergic receptor antagonists in the clinical management of BPH. Safety and tolerability for both non–subtype-selective and subtype-selective {alpha}1-adrenergic receptor antagonists for patients with BPH are also reviewed.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a highly prevalent disorder that affects more than 50% of men older than 50 years.1 Incidence rates increase incrementally with age.1 Benign prostatic hyperplasia is associated with obstructive and irritative lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which may have a negative impact on patient quality of life. Lower urinary tract symptoms include urgency, frequency, nocturia, and weak urine stream. More serious complications of BPH include acute urinary retention, renal insufficiency, urinary tract infection, gross hematuria, bladder stones, and renal failure. Lack of or inadequate management of BPH may precipitate or worsen these conditions.2-4

Although the etiology of BPH has not been clearly defined, the disorder most likely involves age-related proliferation of stromal and glandular cells in the periurethral and transition zones of the prostate gland as well as long-term exposure of prostatic tissue to androgens.5 The microscopic proliferative process that occurs in prostatic tissue may eventually result in an enlarged prostate, which may constrict the urethra and lead to bladder outlet obstruction. In addition, this process increases the smooth muscle tone of the prostate, which is also associated with urethral constriction and is mediated by {alpha}1-adrenergic receptors.2

For patients with BPH, the main medical options for relieving LUTS are (1) {alpha}1-adrenergic receptor antagonists (eg, alfuzosin, doxazosin, tamsulosin, terazosin) to reduce smooth muscle tone in the prostate and the bladder neck or (2) antiandrogen therapy with 5{alpha}-reductase inhibitors (finasteride and dutasteride) to reduce prostate size.2

Because men in this age group are likely to have comorbidities (Figure 1),1,6-8 clinicians should consider BPH within the context of coexisting medical conditions that may complicate clinical management. In fact, according to Harris et al,8 20.2% of men aged 60 to 74 years have diabetes, which is nearly twice the diabetes prevalence rate among men aged 50 to 59 years (12.9%). Similarly, the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among men between the ages of 65 and 74 (65.2%) is almost twice that of men between the ages of 45 and 54 (34.2%).7


Figure 1
View larger version (58K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]

  		Figure 1. The risk of hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients aged 60 years and older.

 
Physicians should also be aware of other issues associated with advancing age, such as orthostatic hypotension, syncope, and falls associated with reduced blood pressure (BP), that may complicate the treatment of older patients.9 In addition, many older patients take multiple medications that may exacerbate age-related changes in the circulatory system.


   Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Context: The Aging Circulatory System
Top
 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in...
Pharmacologic Treatment of...
 Conclusion
 References
 
Orthostatic hypotension—defined as a decrease in systolic BP greater than or equal to 20 mm Hg or a reduction in diastolic BP greater than or equal to 10 mm Hg on changing from supine to erect posture—is associated with advancing age and is common even in otherwise healthy, unmedicated older individuals. The prevalence rate of orthostatic hypotension in this demographic group is estimated to be as high as 30%.10 In an analysis of the medical records of patients older than 75 years who had entered a Veterans Affairs geriatric clinic, Poon and Braun11 found that, of 342 patients, 189 (55%) had orthostatic hypotension. Falling, a risk associated with orthostatic hypotension, can be fatal and affects the older population at a high rate—approximately one-third of people older than 65 years who live at home and about one-half of nursing home residents fall at least once per year (Figure 2).12


Figure 2
View larger version (37K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]

  		Figure 2. Falls: a major cause of morbidity in older patients.

 

Several age-related changes may predispose elderly patients to orthostatic hypotension and consequent risk of falls and related injuries. These changes include decreased cardiac output, vagal response, and maximum heart rate. In addition, vascular stiffening results in reduced vascular compliance and increased systolic pressure, while increased aortic impedance leads to decreased diastolic pressure. Diminished baroreflex activity results in abnormal regulation of blood pressure, which may also contribute to orthostatic hypotension. Hypertension and coronary artery disease may also contribute to orthostatic hypotension and are more likely to be present in older patients.13-17

The risk of hypotension and dizziness in elderly patients increases with the development of certain disease states and ameliorative pharmacotherapies.18 For example, diuretics, commonly used to manage hypertension, are associated with hypovolemia and orthostatic hypotension.19 Concomitant use of antihypertensives and sedatives, antipsychotics, hypoglycemics, or {alpha}1-adrenergic receptor antagonists in elderly patients may further decrease blood pressure and increase the risk of falls.20 Therefore, physicians are encouraged to consider each patient's potential for treatment-related adverse events, such as dizziness or hypotension.


   Pharmacologic Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Top
 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in...
 Pharmacologic Treatment of...
Conclusion
 References
 
Early stages of BPH may be treated by watchful waiting. Alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonists are the drugs of choice when pharmacologic therapy is indicated. There are three {alpha}1-adrenergic receptor subtypes. The {alpha}1A subtype generally regulates smooth muscle tone in the prostate and bladder neck, whereas the {alpha}1B subtype regulates BP via vascular smooth muscle contraction. The {alpha}1D subtype is believed to be associated with bladder muscle contraction and sacral spinal cord innervation. It has been hypothesized that age-related changes in the distribution of vascular {alpha}1-adrenergic receptors may occur, with the greatest increase observed for the {alpha}1B-receptor subtype.21,22 Terazosin, doxazosin, and alfuzosin are {alpha}1-adrenergic receptor antagonists that show equal affinity for all {alpha}1-receptor subtypes. Tamsulosin is selective for the {alpha}1A- and {alpha}1D-adrenergic receptors, while it shows less affinity for the {alpha}1B subtype.20,23

The efficacy of these agents is comparable. However, some {alpha}1-adrenergic receptor antagonists (ie, terazosin, doxazosin) need to be titrated, and their full therapeutic doses are only achieved 2 to 4 weeks postinitiation.24,25 Unlike other {alpha}1-adrenergic receptor antagonists, alfuzosin and tamsulosin do not require titration.26,27 An 8-week, randomized, open-label comparative study28 (N=1993) of tamsulosin (0.4 mg per day) and terazosin (titrated to 5 mg per day) demonstrated that subjects treated with tamsulosin had a statistically significant (P<.001) reduction of symptoms after 4 days of treatment when compared with subjects treated with terazosin. On day 4, terazosin had not yet reached maintenance dosing, as it was administered at 1 mg per day for the first 8 days of the trial.28

Non–Subtype-Selective {alpha}1-Adrenergic Receptor Antagonists
Treatment-related adverse events are more likely to occur with some {alpha}-adrenergic receptor antagonists than others, especially in elderly patients.30 Terazosin, doxazosin, and alfuzosin are long-acting, non–subtype-selective {alpha}1-adrenergic receptor antagonists. Originally marketed as antihypertensives, these medications may cause increased risk of hypotension or dizziness when administered at therapeutic levels.4,25,29,30

In a safety analysis of six placebo-controlled trials, researchers found that terazosin-treated patients with BPH had a statistically significant (P<.05) increase in the incidence of dizziness and orthostatic hypotension than did patients treated with placebo. Adverse events were more common in terazosin-treated patients older than 65 years.31 In another study, terazosin was associated with statistically significant (P<.001) decreases in systolic and diastolic BP in both normotensive and untreated hypertensive patients.32 Similar observations have been reported for studies of doxazosin.33 Alfuzosin (2.5 mg twice daily) has also been associated with vasodilatory adverse events, particularly for patients who are older than 75 years, have concomitant CVD, or receive treatment with antihypertensives or vasodilatory agents.34 A oncedaily formulation of alfuzosin (10 mg per day) was released in the United States in 2003. A clinical study35 comparing the 2.5 mg thrice-daily formulation and the 10 mg once-daily formulation to placebo demonstrated that vasodilatory adverse events were more common for patients taking either of the alfuzosin formulations than those in the placebo arm. However, the incidence of vasodilatory adverse events was lower for patients receiving 10 mg of alfuzosin once per day than those receiving 2.5 mg of alfuzosin three times per day. Thus, while non–subtype-selective {alpha}1-adrenergic receptor antagonists are effective in the management of BPH, their use may be associated with dizziness and hypotension, which is likely related to their vasodilatory properties.26,36,37

Subtype-Selective {alpha}1-Adrenergic Receptor Antagonists
Tamsulosin, which selectively antagonizes {alpha}1A- and {alpha}1D-adrenergic receptors while demonstrating little affinity for the {alpha}1B subtype, was developed specifically for the treatment of LUTS associated with BPH.23 Studies comparing tamsulosin with terazosin and doxazosin indicate that tamsulosin has greater affinity for prostatic rather than vascular {alpha}1-adrenergic receptors.20,38 Tamsulosin may, therefore, be expected to produce few BP-related adverse effects.19 In addition, clinical trials investigating the efficacy and safety of tamsulosin (0.4 mg per day) in the treatment of patients with BPH have reported symptom reduction, including significant improvements in urine flow, without clinically significant effects on BP or heart rate. A comparison of clinical trial results for available BPH drugs indicates that tamsulosin may not increase the incidence of orthostatic hypotension. In one study,39 patients received either tamsulosin (0.4 mg per day) or placebo once daily. The incidence of treatment-emergent orthostatic hypotension and syncope was greater in the placebo group than in the tamsulosin group. These observations were independent of patient positioning (supine vs standing).

Similarly, Chapple et al40 compared tamsulosin's safety and tolerability in patients younger than 65 years and those aged 65 years or older when treated with 0.4 mg of tamsulosin per day vs placebo. For the tamsulosin-treated group, the incidence of adverse events possibly associated with vasodilation was 8.4% for the younger group and 4.2% for the older cohort. A similar incidence rate was noted in the placebo-treated groups—7.5% for those younger than 65 years and 6% for older patients.40 There were no statistically significant differences between placebo- and drug-treated groups for either age category, and changes in BP or pulse rate were minimal for both study groups.40

In an open-label extension study of the above trials evaluating the safety of tamsulosin for up to 3 years, 2.5% of patients cumulatively had treatment-emergent orthostatic hypotension, while 2.0% of patients had drug-related orthostatic hypotension.41 In another open-label study that was extended up to 6 years, 1.3% of tamsulosin-treated subjects had orthostatic hypotension.42

To confirm the hypothesis that receptor selectivity allows fewer vasodilatory adverse events, a direct comparative study of terazosin (titrated to 5 mg once daily) and tamsulosin (0.4 mg once daily) was conducted on ambulatory BP using nocturnal orthostatic stress testing in 50 elderly normotensive patients with LUTS. Symptomatic hypotensive orthostatic stress occurred more frequently in the terazosin-treated group than in those who received tamsulosin.37

Data from tamsulosin trials demonstrate that coadministration of tamsulosin with nifedipine, enalapril, or atenolol—cardiovascular drugs frequently prescribed for hypertension or heart failure—produced no clinically significant differences in BP and pulse rate and did not increase adverse effects.27,43 Therefore, for patients with cardiovascular comorbidities, the use of tamsulosin for the clinical management of BPH may be a safer choice than the non–subtype-selective {alpha}1-adrenergic receptor antagonists.

Adverse events observed in studies of tamsulosin efficacy and safety include dizziness, which occurred in 10% of patients enrolled in six US and European trials, as well as cephaligia and rhinitis.27

Concomitant Medications and Conditions
Medical comorbidities are common among older patients. Approximately 25% to 30% of all men older than 60 years have concomitant hypertension and BPH.1 It is possible that elderly patients with CVD may have unfavorable reactions to medications used in the management of BPH. For example, commonly prescribed medications for patients diagnosed with CVD (eg, diltiazem) may increase plasma levels of a given {alpha}1-adrenergic receptor antagonist by inhibiting cytochrome enzymes, resulting in an increased risk of hypotension.26 In addition, medications used to manage BPH may cause adverse effects in comorbid patients. For example, blood levels of certain {alpha}1-adrenergic receptor antagonists may increase with moderate hepatic insufficiency or renal insufficiency.26 Thus, it is important to consider the potential for interactions when prescribing a pharmacologic agent for the management of BPH in a patient who either has a comorbid condition, is taking concomitant medications, or both.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is increasingly prevalent with advancing age and is often associated with a perception of reduced quality of life.44 Epidemiologic studies indicate that older men with ED are likely to have concomitant diabetes and CVD, including hypertension.45 Vascular disease is thought to be the most common organic etiology of ED.45 Pharmacologic therapies for ED (eg, sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil) are selective inhibitors of cyclic guanosine monophosphate-specific phosphodiesterase type 5.46-48 Currently, there are precautions in the prescribing information for phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors about concomitant use with {alpha}1-adrenergic receptor antagonists.46-48 In a clinical pharmacology study,48 the simultaneous administration of tadalafil 20 mg and tamsulosin 0.4 mg produced no statistically significant decrease in BP.

In some patients treated with {alpha}1-adrenergic receptor antagonists, a surgical condition known as intraoperative floppy iris syndrome has been observed during phacoemulsification cataract surgery.49 This syndrome is characterized by a flaccid iris that billows in response to ordinary irrigation currents, progressive pupil constriction despite preoperative dilation with standard dilatory drugs, and potential prolapse of the iris toward the phacoemulsification incisions.49 The cause of this syndrome is unknown,49 and, until it is better understood, surgeons should ask patients undergoing cataract surgery if they have taken {alpha}1-adrenergic receptor antagonists.50 If necessary, the surgeon should be prepared to modify his or her surgical technique. The benefit of stopping {alpha}1-adrenergic receptor antagonist therapy before cataract surgery has not been established.50


   Conclusion
Top
 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in...
 Pharmacologic Treatment of...
 Conclusion
References
 
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a highly prevalent condition in older men and often occurs in combination with a number of other serious diseases, such as diabetes and CVD. Non–subtype-selective {alpha}1-adrenergic receptor antagonists used in the management of BPH may block {alpha}1-adrenergic receptors in the vasculature, which may in turn precipitate hypotension, dizziness, syncope, falls, and subsequent morbidity and mortality.51 As many elderly patients with BPH may take multiple medications that, in combination, may also exacerbate age-related hypotension, appropriate drug selection is particularly important.


   Footnotes
 
Dr Ginsberg reports receiving consulting fees and honoraria from GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis, and Solvay.

Submitted August 20, 2007; accepted November 19, 2007.


   References
Top
 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in...
 Pharmacologic Treatment of...
 Conclusion
 References
 
1. Boyle P, Napalkov P. The epidemiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia and observations on concomitant hypertension [review].Scand J Urol Nephrol .1995; 29:7 -12.

2. Lepor H, Lowe FC. Evaluation and nonsurgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In: Walsh PC, Retik AB, Vaughan ED, eds.Campbell's Urol . 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders Co;2002 : 1337-1378.

3. O'Leary MP. Lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia: maintaining symptom control and reducing complications [review].Urol . 2003;62(3 suppl 1): 15-23. doi:10.1016/S0090-4295(03)00480-1 .[Medline]

4. AUA Practice Guidelines Committee. AUA guideline on management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (2003). Chapter 1: Diagnosis and treatment recommendations. J Urol.2003; 170(pt 1):530 -547.[Medline]

5. Oesterling JE. Benign prostatic hyperplasia: a review of its histogenesis and natural history. Prostate Suppl.1996; 6:67 -73.[Medline]

6. National Diabetes Statistics. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse Web site. Available at: http://www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/statistics/index.htm. Accessed June 16, 2008.

7. Older Americans and cardiovascular diseases. American Heart Association Web site. Available at: http://www.americanheart.org. Accessed June 16, 2008.

8. Harris MI, Flegal KM, Cowie CC, Eberhardt MS, Goldstein DE, Little RR, et al. Prevalence of diabetes, impaired fasting glucose, and impaired glucose tolerance in US adults. The third national health and nutrition examination survey, 1988-1994. Diabetes Care. 1998;21:518-524. Available at: http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/reprint/21/4/518. Accessed June 30, 2008.

9. Shibao C, Grijalva CG, Raj SR, Biaggioni I, Griffin MR. Orthostatic hypotension-related hospitalizations in the United States. Am J Med. 2007;120:975 -980. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2007.05.009 .[Medline]

10. Low PA. Prevalence of orthostatic hypotension [review]. Clin Auton Res. 2008; 18(suppl 1): 8-13. Published June30 , 2008. doi:10.1007/s10286-007-1001-3 .[Medline]

11. Poon IO, Braun U. High prevalence of orthostatic hypotension and its correlation with potentially causative medications among elderly veterans.J Clin Pharm Ther . 2005;30:173 -178.[Medline]

12. Kane RL, Ouslander JG, Abrass IP. Essentials of Clinical Geriatrics. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Inc; 1994:197 -213.

13. Shimada K, Kitazumi T, Ogura H, Sadakane N, Ozawa T. Differences in age-independent effects of blood pressure on baroreflex sensitivity between normal and hypertensive subjects. Clin Sci (Lond).1986; 70:489 -494.[Medline]

14. Shannon RP, Maher KA, Santinga JT, Royal HD, Wei JY. Comparison of differences in the hemodynamic response to passive postural stress in healthy subjects greater than 70 years and less than 30 years of age. Am J Cardiol. 1991;67:1110 -1116.[Medline]

15. James MA, Potter JF. Orthostatic blood pressure changes and arterial baroreflex sensitivity in elderly subjects. Age Ageing. 1999;28:522-530. Available at: http://ageing.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/28/6/522. Accessed July 3, 2008.

16. Mukai S, Gagnon M, Iloputaife I, Hamner JW, Lipsitz LA. Effect of systolic blood pressure and carotid stiffness on baroreflex gain in elderly subjects. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci.2003; 58:626 -630.[Medline]

17. Priebe HJ. The aged cardiovascular risk patient [review]. Br J Anaesth. 2000;85:763-778. Available at: http://bja.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/85/5/763. Accessed July 3, 2008.

18. Tilvis RS, Hakala SM, Valvanne J, Erkinjuntti T. Postural hypotension and dizziness in a general aged population: a four-year follow-up of the Helsinki Aging Study. J Am Geriatr Soc.1996; 44:809 -814.[Medline]

19. Campbell AJ. Drug treatment as a cause of falls in old age. A review of the offending agents. Drugs Aging.1991; 1: 289-302. doi: 10.1016/S00904295(98)00140-X.[Medline]

20. Beduschi MC, Beduschi R, Oesterling JE. Alpha-blockade therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia: from a nonselective to a more selective alpha1A-adrenergic antagonist [review]. Urol.1998; 51:861 -872.[Medline]

21. Schwinn DA, Michelotti GA. Alpha1-Adrenergic receptors in the lower urinary tract and vascular bed: potential role for the alpha1D-subtype in filling symptoms and effects of aging on vascular expression [review]. BJU Int.2000; 85(suppl 2):6 -11.[Medline]

22. Hatano A, Takahashi H, Tamaki M, Komeyama T, Koizumi T, Takeda M. Pharmacological evidence of distinct alpha1-adrenoreceptor subtypes mediating the contraction of human prostatic urethra and peripheral artery. Br J Pharmacol. 1994;113:723-728. Available at: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=7858860. Accessed June 30, 2008.

23. Foglar R, Shibata K, Horie K, Hirasawa A, Tsujimoto G. Use of recombinant alpha1-adrenoreceptors to characterize subtype selectivity of drugs for the treatment of prostatic hypertrophy. Eur J Pharmacol. 1995;288:201 -207.[Medline]

24. de Mey C, Michel MC, McEwen J, Moreland T. A double-blind comparison of terazosin and tamsulosin on their differential effects on ambulatory blood pressure and nocturnal orthostatic stress testing. Eur Urol. 1998;33:481 -488. doi:10.1159/000019639 .[Medline]

25. Hytrin [package insert]. North Chicago, Il: Abbott Laboratories; 2001.

26. Uroxatral [package insert]. New York, NY: Sanofi-Synthelabo; 2007.

27. Flomax [package insert]. Ridgefield, Conn: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals; 2007.

28. Narayan P, O'Leary M, Davidai G. Early efficacy of tamsulosin vs terazosin in the treatment of men with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a randomized, open-label trial. J Appl Res. 2005;5:237-245. Available at: http://www.jarcet.com/articles/Vol5Iss2/Narayan.pdf. Accessed June 30, 2008.

29. Cardura XL [package insert]. New York, NY: Pfizer Roerig; 2006.

30. deMey C. Cardiovascular effects of alpha-blockers used for the treatment of symptomatic BPH: impact on safety and well-being [review].Eur Urol .1998; 34(suppl 2):18 -28. doi:10.1159/000052284 .[Medline]

31. Lowe FC. Safety assessment of terazosin in the treatment of patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia: a combined analysis.Urol . 1994;44:46 -51. doi:10.1016/S0090-4295(94)80008-1 .[Medline]

32. Martell N, Luque M; for HT-BPH Group. Doxazosin added to single-drug therapy in hypertensive patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich).2001; 3:218 -223.[Medline]

33. Fawzy A, Braun K, Lewis GP, Gaffney M, Ice K, Dias N. Doxazosin in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in normotensive patients: a multicenter study. J Urol.1995; 154:105 -109.[Medline]

34. Lukacs B, Blondin P, MacCarthy C, Du Boys B, Grippon P, Lassale C. Safety profile of 3 months' therapy with alfuzosin in 13,389 patients suffering from benign prostatic hypertrophy. Eur Urol.1996; 29:29 -35.[Medline]

35. van Kerrebroeck P, Jardin A, Laval KU, van Cangh P; ALFORTI Study Group. Efficacy and safety of a new prolonged release formulation of alfuzosin 10 mg once daily versus alfuzosin 2.5 mg thrice daily and placebo in patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. Eur Urol.2000; 37: 306-313. doi: 10.1159/000052361.[Medline]

36. Harada K, Ohmori M, Fujimura A. Comparison of the antagonistic activity of tamsulosin and doxazosin at vascular alpha1-adrenergic receptors in humans. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Arch Pharmacol.1996; 354:557 -561.[Medline]

37. Harada K, Ohmori M, Kitoh Y, Sugimoto K, Fujimura A. A comparison of the antagonistic activities of tamsulosin and terazosin against human vascular alpha1-adrenergic receptors. Jpn J Pharmacol. 1999;80:209 -215. doi:10.1254/jjp.80.209 .[Medline]

38. Chapple CR. Selective alpha1-adrenoreceptor antagonists in benign prostatic hyperplasia: rationale and clinical experience [review].Eur Urol . 1996;29:129 -144.[Medline]

39. Abrams P, Schulman CC, Vaage S; and the European Tamsulosin Study Group. Tamsulosin, a selective alpha1C-adrenoceptor antagonist: a randomized, controlled trial in patients with benign prostatic `obstruction' (symptomatic BPH). Br J Urol.1995; 76:325 -336.[Medline]

40. Chapple CR, Baert L, Thind P, Hîfner K, Khoe GSS, Spångberg A; for the European Tamsulosin Study Group. Tamsulosin 0.4 mg once daily: tolerability in older and younger patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic obstruction (symptomatic BPH).Eur Urol . 1997;32:462 -470.[Medline]

41. Schulman CC, Cortvriend J, Jonas U, Lock TMTW, Vaage S, Speakman MJ; for the European Tamsulosin Study Group. Tamsulosin: 3-year long-term efficacy and safety in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic obstruction: analysis of a European, multinational, multicenter, open-label study. Eur Urol.1999; 36: 609-620. doi: 10.1159/000020056.[Medline]

42. Narayan P, Evans CP, Moon T. Long-term safety and efficacy of tamsulosin for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. J Urol.2003; 170(pt 1):498 -502.[Medline]

43. Lowe FC. Coadministration of tamsulosin and three antihypertensive agents in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: pharmacodynamic effect.Clin Ther . 1997;19:730 -742. doi:10.1016/S0149-2918(97)80097-5 .[Medline]

44. Seidman SN. The aging male: androgens, erectile dysfunction, and depression. J Clin Psychiatry.2003; 64(suppl 10):31 -37.

45. Meuleman EJH. Prevalence of erectile dysfunction: need for treatment [review]? Int J Impot Res.2002; 14(suppl 1):S22 -S28.[Medline]

46. Viagra [package insert]. New York, NY: Pfizer Inc;2007 .

47. Levitra [package insert]. West Haven, Conn: Bayer Pharmaceutical Corp; 2007.

48. Cialis [package insert]. Indianapolis, Ind: Lilly ICOS LLC; 2007.

49. Chang DF, Campbell JR. Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome associated with tamsulosin. J Cataract Refract Surg.2005; 31: 664-673. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2005.02.027.[Medline]

50. Chang DF. Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome caused by tamsulosin: complication rate on a multicenter prospective study. Abstract presented at: the 2006 ASCRS Symposium, ASOA Congress, and Clinical Surgical Staff Program; March 17-22,2006; San Francisco, Calif.

51. Man In't Veld AJ, van der Camme TJM, van Loon K. Drug treatment of hypertension in the elderly: the role of alpha-adrenoreceptor blockade [review]. Br J Urol.1998; 81(suppl 1):21 -25.[Medline]

52. Falls among older adults: figures and maps. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/adultfallsfig-maps.htm. Accessed July 2, 2008.





This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Fine, S. R.
Right arrow Articles by Ginsberg, P.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Fine, S. R.
Right arrow Articles by Ginsberg, P.

HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS