The efficacy and safety of oral Tamsulosin controlled absorption system (OCAS) for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to bladder outlet obstruction associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia: an open-label preliminary study.

AIMS: Tamsulosin, a superselective subtype alpha 1a and 1d blocker, is used for the treatment of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) commonly caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This prospective study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a new formulation, Tamsulosin OCAS® (Oral Controlled Absorption System), for LUTS associated with BPH in Thai patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty one patients over 40 years old with complaints of LUTS associated with BPH were recruited. Patients received an 8 week course of once daily 0.4 mg tamsulosin OCAS®, and were followed up at 2 (visit 3), 4 (visit 4) and 8 (visit 5) weeks post-treatment. At each visit, patients were assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Nocturia Quality of Life (N-QoL) Questionnaire, QoL Assessment Index (IPSS-QoL), and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). The primary outcome was efficacy of Tamsulosin. The secondary outcomes included change in the mean number of nocturia episodes, hours of undisturbed sleep (HUS) and uroflowmetry measurements.

RESULTS: Total IPSS significantly decreased at week 8 from baseline (from 19.52 to 6.08; p < 0.001). Similarly, the voiding and storage subscores of IPSS also continued to improve significantly starting from the second and third visits, respectively (p < 0.001 versus baseline). The IPSS-QoL and N-QoL scores significantly improved at visit 3 through end of study. In addition, we observed significant nocturia and HUS improvement in their last clinic visit. Uroflowmetry parameters, Qmax and Qave, improved significantly at 3rd clinic visit. Three patients experienced mild dizziness.

CONCLUSION: Tamsulosin OCAS® treatment led to significant improvements in LUTS, HUS and QoL in Thai patients with bladder outlet obstruction from BPH with few side effects.