Alfuzosin: a clinically uroselective alpha1-blocker.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Urology

Background:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) causes lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
• Convenient dosing and 24-hour efficacy are key for BPH management.
• Optimizing pharmacokinetic profiles improves treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new once-daily (o.d.) alfuzosin formulation for LUTS in BPH patients.
• To assess the 24-hour effectiveness and pharmacokinetic coverage of alfuzosin 10 mg o.d.
• To compare alfuzosin's effect on post-void residual urine and acute urinary retention against placebo.

Main Methods:

• Two double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III studies.
• Inclusion of 983 patients with LUTS suggestive of BPH.
• Evaluation of alfuzosin 10 mg o.d. efficacy, safety, and tolerability.

Main Results:

• Alfuzosin 10 mg o.d. demonstrated 24-hour effectiveness for LUTS and flow rates.
• Significant reduction in post-void residual urine and acute urinary retention incidence compared to placebo.
• Well-tolerated with low incidence of postural hypotension (<1%) and no significant blood pressure changes.
• Excellent sexual side-effect profile with no impact on quality of life.

Conclusions:

• Once-daily alfuzosin 10 mg is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for LUTS in BPH.
• Alfuzosin offers unique benefits in reducing urinary retention risk.
• The formulation provides convenient dosing and sustained 24-hour efficacy without dose titration.