Doxazosin controlled release vs tamsulosin in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia: an efficacy analysis.

Author(s): Kirby RS, Quinn S, Mallen S, Jensen D

Affiliation(s): Department of Urology Research, Ingleby House, St. George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London, UK. rogerkirby@compuserve.com

Publication date & source: 2004-01, Int J Clin Pract., 58(1):6-10.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

An analysis is presented to compare the efficacies of the doxazosin gastrointestinal therapeutic system (doxazosin-GITS) and tamsulosin in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), collecting data from a published 20-week, randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Results demonstrated that after 8 weeks of treatment, both doxazosin-GITS and tamsulosin provided significant (p < 0.001) improvement from baseline in total international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and obstructive and irritative subscores. Doxazosin-GITS was more effective than tamsulosin (p = 0.019 between-group difference for total IPSS; p = 0.001 for irritative subscore). Similarly, after the first 4 weeks of treatment, prior to dose titration, both doxazosin-GITS and tamsulosin provided significant (p < or = 0.001) improvement in total IPSS and subscores. Doxazosin-GITS was more effective than tamsulosin (p = 0.045 between-group difference for obstructive subscore). These data confirm that the efficacy of doxazosin is superior to that of tamsulosin in the management of patients with BPH.