Usefulness of tamsulosin hydrochloride and naftopidil in patients with urinary disturbances caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia: A comparative, randomized, two-drug crossover study

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study presented here was to stratify drug therapy for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) displaying various voiding symptoms. METHODS: Two different alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonists; tamsulosin hydrochloride (Tam) and naftopidil (Naf ), were administered to 96 patients with BPH for 8 weeks in a crossover study. RESULTS: With the administration of both drugs, the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) significantly decreased and the maximum urinary flow significantly increased. Whereas Naf monotherapy decreased the I-PSS for storage symptoms, Tam monotherapy decreased the I-PSS for voiding symptoms. In both the Naf-to-Tam and Tam-to-Naf groups, crossover was effective when the initial drug was judged subjectively and objectively to have been ineffective. Compliance was acceptable with both drugs. CONCLUSION: Our results show that either Naf or Tam can be used to treat patients on the basis of objective and subjective assessment of voiding symptoms. Our findings should be helpful for patient guidance and treatment of BPH.