Multicenter, prospective, comparative cohort study evaluating the efficacy and safety of alfuzosin 10 mg with regard to blood pressure in men with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia with or without antihypertensive medications

Abstract

Background

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of alfuzosin 10 mg monotherapy or combined antihypertensive medication on blood pressure (BP) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH/LUTS) with or without antihypertensive medication.

Methods

This was a 3-month, multicenter, randomized, open-label study in 335 patients aged ≥45 years with a clinical diagnosis of BPH/LUTS by medical history and clinical examination, a total International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) ≥8 points, a maximum flow rate >5 mL/sec and ≤15 mL/sec, and a voided volume ≥120 mL. Eligible subjects were randomized to receive alfuzosin 10 mg as monotherapy (group 1) or alfuzosin 10 mg + antihypertensive combination therapy (group 2). Based on baseline BP and hypertensive history with or without antihypertensive medications at first medical examination, group 1 was divided into two subgroups of normotensive and untreated hypertensive patients, and group 2 into two subgroups of controlled hypertensive and uncontrolled hypertensive patients. The primary study outcomes were change in IPSS, BP, and heart rate from baseline. Secondary outcomes were change in IPSS-quality of life score, maximum flow rate, average flow rate, voided volume, and post-voided volume.

Results

The overall BP change was not significantly different between groups 1 and 2 (systolic BP, P=0.825; diastolic BP, P>0.999). In patients with uncontrolled or untreated hypertension, alfuzosin 10 mg alone or combined with antihypertensive therapy significantly decreased systolic and diastolic BP. The mean difference in total IPSS and IPSS-quality of life scores from baseline between groups 1 and 2 was 0.45 (95% CI: −1.26, 2.16) and 0.12 (95% CI: −0.21, 0.45), respectively (both P>0.05). Maximum flow rate, average flow rate, voided volume, and post-voided volume at endpoint were numerically, but not significantly, changed from baseline (all P>0.05).

Conclusion

This study shows that alfuzosin 10 mg is effective and well tolerated in patients with BPH/LUTS with or without antihypertensive medications. However, in patients with uncontrolled or untreated hypertension, alfuzosin 10 mg alone or in combination with antihypertensive medication appears to decrease systolic and diastolic BP, and these patients should be warned about a decrease in BP on initiation of therapy.

Introduction

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common urological disorder and increases in incidence with advancing age, with a prevalence of over 50% in men in their 60s and up to 90% by 85 years of age.^1,2 BPH is often associated with bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), including frequency, urgency, nocturia, and weak urine flow.^3,4 Troublesome LUTS rather than histologically evident prostatic hypertrophy typically prompt patients to seek medical care. Therefore, LUTS and BPH are closely related clinical symptoms. BPH/LUTS typically arises from increased resistance to urinary flow induced by progressive hypertrophy of the prostate.⁵ Left untreated, the need for surgery increases due to progressively worsening symptoms caused by BPH-related dysfunction of the urinary tract, with about 7% of affected patients developing acute urinary retention.⁶

The incidence of hypertension also increases with advancing age. An estimated 50% of individuals are affected by 70 years of age, and concomitant BPH and hypertension is found in an estimated 25% of men over 60 years of age.⁷ Noninvasive medical therapy has been increasingly recognized as the primary option for treatment. Among the treatments available, α1-adrenoceptor antagonists are preferred when treating patients with BPH/LUTS (although the first-generation α1-adrenoceptor antagonists, ie, doxazosin and terazosin, were developed for the treatment of hypertension⁸). However, their efficacy in the treatment of BPH/LUTS can vary considerably, especially in elderly patients and in those with hypertension.⁹

As such, the ratio of probable urinary events versus cardiovascular adverse events, such as postural hypotension, had been described pertaining to the concept of a uroselective α1-adrenoceptor antagonist. Recently developed novel uroselective antagonists had demonstrated appreciable cardiovascular adverse effects. Alfuzosin has demonstrated functional uroselectivity as a novel α1-adrenoceptor antagonist in BPH/LUTS.⁸ This dose of alfuzosin 10 mg is optimal and prevents major fluctuations in plasma drug concentrations. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of alfuzosin in the treatment of distal ureteral stones^10,11 and in prostatitis syndrome.^12–14

Physicians have long pondered how to treat patients suffering from BPH if they are already on antihypertensive medication. The dilemma is whether such patients should be treated with alfuzosin to relieve the symptoms of BPH or not because of the potentially increased risk of hypotensive episodes.

The purpose of this prospective multicenter study was to investigate whether alfuzosin 10 mg caused a further decrease in blood pressure (BP) in patients with BPH/LUTS whose BP was already regulated by antihypertensive medications compared with BPH/LUTS patients who were not on antihypertensive or α-blocker therapy.

Patients and methods

Study design

Eleven studies conducted between February 2010 and January 2013 investigated the efficacy and safety of alfuzosin 10 mg for up to 12 weeks. This study was performed using integrated data from these randomized, open-label, multicenter studies in men with BPH/LUTS with or without antihypertensive medications. The institutional review board at each site approved this research and all subjects gave their written informed consent before undergoing any study procedure or therapy. The study inclusion criteria at screening and baseline are summarized in Table 1, and the exclusion criteria are summarized in Table 2.

Table 1.

Study inclusion at screening and baseline

Inclusion criteria	Visit 1 screening	Visit 2 baseline
Male	√
Age ≥45 years	√
Willing to complete 3-day micturition diary and questionnaires correctly	√
Total IPSS score ≥8	√	√
Qmax >5 mL/sec and ≤12 mL/sec	√
Vvoid ≥120 mL	√
Normal range of biochemistry test results		√
Normal range of hematology test results		√

Abbreviations: IPSS, International Prostate Symptom Score; Qmax, maximal urinary flow rate; Vvoid, voided volume.

Table 2.

Study exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria
History of urinary retention ≥12 months
History or diagnosis including carcinoma/pelvic radiation therapy, neurogenic bladder, chronic inflammation, stone in ureter, outflow tract obstruction, uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, urinary/gastric retention, diabetic neuropathy, cardiovascular/cerebrovascular disease, abnormal electrocardiogram, and other medical conditions in which use of anticholinergics is contraindicated
Current urinary tract infection more than three episodes within 12 months
Previous/planned prostate surgery, such as transurethral resection of prostate, transurethral needle ablation of prostate, and laser surgery of prostate
Use of concomitant medication: benign prostate hyperplasia drugs within 2 weeks prior to visit 1, including α-adrenergic receptor antagonists and plant extracts, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors within 3 months prior to visit 1, including combined α/β-adrenergic receptor antagonists, α-agonists, cholinergics or anticholinergics, study drug interacting, end prior to visit 1 (those drugs that affect the pharmacodynamics of alfuzosin), other medications including long-term therapy (more than 1 month prior to randomization) with anticholinergic or cholinergic side effects, calcium channel antagonists, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and β-blockers
Participation in clinical trial within 1 month prior to visit 1
Renal/hepatic impairment

Eligible subjects were randomized to receive alfuzosin 10 mg (Handok, Seoul, South Korea) as monotherapy (group 1) or matching alfuzosin 10 mg combined with antihypertensive medication (group 2). The two groups were then divided into subgroups, ie, normotensive versus untreated hypertensive subjects and controlled hypertensive versus uncontrolled hypertensive subjects, respectively, based on baseline BP and hypertensive history with or without receipt of antihypertensive medications at first medical examination. Vital signs, including systolic BP, diastolic BP, and heart rate were measured at each visit after 10 minutes resting in the supine position.

Outcome measures

The primary efficacy outcome was change in total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) from baseline (randomization) to endpoint (12 weeks). Total IPSS and IPSS-QoL (quality of life) score are validated for evaluation of LUTS in clinical trials, with lower scores indicating less severe LUTS. Additional efficacy parameters were maximum flow rate, average urinary flow rate, voided volume, and post-residual urine. Uroflowmetry was performed using a standard calibrated flowmeter (B&K Medical, Herlev, Denmark). Age, body mass index, prostate-specific antigen, and mean prostatic volume were also recorded. Safety assessments consisted of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and serious adverse events.

Statistical analysis

The statistical analysis was performed on an intent-to-treat basis for all patients who were randomized and completed treatment with the open-label study medications. Participants were excluded from the primary and secondary efficacy analyses if no post-baseline data were available. Means and proportions for baseline patient demographic and clinical characteristics were compared using the χ² test. For demographic and efficacy parameters, the randomization visit, ie, the start of the open-label treatment period, was taken to be the baseline.

For the integrated analysis set, the baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were generalized in the open-label period for all randomized subjects by using descriptive statistics. For continuous values, efficacies in supine systolic BP and diastolic BP were calculated as the mean difference in change from baseline to endpoint between groups 1 and 2 using analysis of covariance models with terms of normotensive and untreated hypertensive in group 1, as well as controlled hypertensive and uncontrolled hypertensive in group 2.

Mean changes from baseline to endpoint in total IPSS score, IPSS-QoL score, maximum flow rate, average urinary flow rate, voided volume, and post-residual urine (12 weeks or last recorded measurement) were compared between groups 1 and 2. TEAEs were analyzed using Breslow-Day tests for homogeneity of risk ratios at a significance level of 0.10. All efficacy measures were tested at a two-sided significance level of 0.05. Unless otherwise stated, efficacy data are expressed as the mean ± standard deviation.

Results

The study included 335 subjects, of whom 276 (82.38%) were randomized to treatment (n=136 in group 1 and n=140 in group 2, Figure 1). Approximately 76.8% (n=212) of the 276 patients completed the open-label treatment period, ie, 100/136 (73.5%) in group 1 and 112/140 (80%) in group 2. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between the two groups (Table 3). The mean age of the subjects was 64.02±7.67 years, and 54% were ≥65 years of age. At randomization, 43% of subjects had a total IPSS score >20 and 29.7% had an IPSS-QoL score <6. There was no significant difference in any baseline value between the two groups.

Figure 1.

CONSORT (consolidated standards of reporting trials) diagram showing the disposition of participants. Group 1, alfuzosin 10 mg monotherapy; group 2, alfuzosin 10 mg combined antihypertensive therapy.

Abbreviations: AE, adverse event; IPSS, International Prostatic Symptom Score.

Table 3.

Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics for all randomly assigned patients

Variable	Group 1	Group 2	Total	P-value
At screening
Hypertension, n (%)
Yes	24 (17.6)	37 (26.4)	61 (77.90)	0.08
No	112 (82.4)	103 (73.6)	215 (29.34)
Mean age, years	63.04±7.63	64.98±7.61	64.02±7.67	0.05
≤65 years, n (%)	55 (40.4)	72 (51.4)	127 (46)	0.07
>65 years, n (%)	81 (59.6)	68 (48.6)	149 (54)
BMI, kg/m2	24.02±2.33	24.89±2.24	24.47±2.32	0.84
Mean prostatic volume, mL	34.04±15.51	34.60±16.79	34.07±16.15	0.97
Duration of LUTS, months (range)	29.30 (5–165)	34.74 (5–254)	32.06 (5–254)	0.23
At randomization
Total IPSS score	18.79±6.08	19.15±5.66	18.98±5.86	0.26
Moderate (8–19)	79 (59.8%)	75 (54.3%)	154 (57%)	0.39
Severe (20–35)	53 (40.2%)	63 (45.7%)	116 (43%)
IPSS-QoL index	3.85±1.13	3.95±1.15	3.90±1.14	0.57
Mild (0–1)	5 (3.7%)	5 (3.6%)	10 (3.7%)
Moderate (2–4)	94 (69.6%)	88 (63.8%)	182 (66.7%)	0.56
Severe (5–6)	36 (26.7%)	45 (32.6%)	81 (29.7%)
PSA level, ng/mL	1.69±1.76	1.61±1.52	1.65±1.64	0.68
≤0.6	37 (27.4%)	32 (23.4%)	69 (25.4%)
0.7–1.0	37 (27.4%)	35 (25.5%)	72 (26.5%)	0.21
1.1–2.09	24 (17.8%)	39 (28.5%)	63 (23.2%)
>2.10	37 (27.4%)	31 (22.6%)	68 (25%)
Qmax, mL/sec	14.05±7.68	13.07±7.01	13.55±7.35	0.27
Qave, mL/sec	7.31±4.68	6.54±3.99	6.92±4.35	0.15
Vvoid, mL	230.44±139.65	219.86±136.66	225.05±137.97	0.53
PVR volume, mL	36.46±41.73	39.62±42.76	38.09±42.21	0.54

Notes: Data expressed as the mean ± standard deviation. Categorical variables are presented as the case number and percentage. Group 1, alfuzosin 10 mg monotherapy; group 2, alfuzosin 10 mg combined with antihypertensive medication.

Abbreviations: BMI, body mass index; LUTS, lower urinary tract symptoms; IPSS, International Prostate Symptom Score; QoL, quality of life; PSA, prostate-specific antigen; Qmax, maximum flow rate; Qave, average flow rate; Vvoid, voided volume; PVR, post-void residual.

Changes in BP after 12 weeks of treatment

Figure 2 shows the mean changes from baseline in systolic BP, diastolic BP, and heart rate at 12 weeks stratified according to the normotensive and untreated hypertensive subgroups in group 1 and controlled and uncontrolled hypertensive subgroups in group 2.

Figure 2.

Mean supine blood pressure and HR values stratified by normotensive and untreated hypertensive status in group 1 and controlled hypertensive and uncontrolled hypertensive status in group 2 at baseline and at endpoint. (A) Systolic blood pressure, (B) diastolic blood pressure, and (C) HR.

Notes: Data are expressed as the mean ± standard deviation. *P<0.001, **P<0.05. Group 1, alfuzosin 10 mg monotherapy; group 2, alfuzosin 10 mg combined with antihypertensive medication.

Abbreviations: SBP, systolic blood pressure; DBP, diastolic blood pressure; HR, heart rate; min, minute.

Alfuzosin 10 mg alone or combined with antihypertensive therapy produced clinically and statistically significant decreases in systolic and diastolic BP in untreated hypertensive patients in group 1 and in patients with uncontrolled hypertension in group 2 (both P<0.001; Figure 2A and B). In contrast, there were no clinically significant mean BP changes in the normotensive subgroup in group 1 or in the subgroup with controlled hypertension in group 2; moreover, there were no statistically significant decreases in systolic BP (P=0.78 and P=0.73, respectively; Figure 2A) or diastolic BP (P=0.55 and P=0.48, respectively; Figure 2B) in either subgroup. There were no clinically or statistically significant changes in heart rate in any BP subgroup (P=0.68, P=0.30, P=0.72, and P=0.32 for the normotensive and untreated hypertensive subgroups in group 1 and the controlled hypertensive and uncontrolled hypertensive subgroups in group 2, respectively; Figure 2C).

Mean changes in BP and heart rate from baseline to endpoint are shown in Figure 3 for the four subgroups. In the subgroup with untreated hypertension from group 1, the mean 12-week decreases in systolic and diastolic BP were −11.3 mmHg and −5.1 mmHg, respectively (Figure 3A and B). In the subgroup with uncontrolled hypertension from group 2, the mean decreases in systolic and diastolic BP were −9.9 mmHg and −2.9 mmHg, respectively (Figure 3A and B). In contrast, the mean changes in systolic BP and diastolic BP in the normotensive subgroup from group 1 were 0.5 mmHg and −0.6 mmHg, and in the controlled hypertensive subgroup from group 2 were 0.7 mmHg and −0.9 mmHg, respectively (Figure 3A and B).

Figure 3.

Mean change in supine blood pressure and HR from baseline to endpoint stratified by normotensive and untreated hypertensive status in group 1 and controlled hypertensive and uncontrolled hypertensive status in group 2. (A) Mean change in SBP; (B) mean change in DBP, and (C) mean change in HR.

Notes: Data are expressed as the mean ± standard error. *P<0.001, **P<0.05. Group 1, alfuzosin 10 mg monotherapy; group 2, alfuzosin 10 mg combined with antihypertensive medication.

Abbreviations: SBP, systolic blood pressure; DBP, diastolic blood pressure; HR, heart rate; min, minute.

Compared with group 1, alfuzosin 10 mg combination therapy in group 2 decreased the mean systolic BP and diastolic BP from baseline to endpoint, albeit not in a statistically significant manner (Figure 3A and B). The mean change in systolic BP in the overall group from baseline to endpoint was higher in the alfuzosin 10 mg group (−2.3±14.3 mmHg) relative to a negative change in group 1 (−1.9±11.6 mmHg). The change in diastolic BP was similar between group 2 (−1.5±10.1 mmHg) and group 1 (−1.5±8.6 mmHg). There was a minimal decrease in supine heart rate in patients receiving alfuzosin 10 mg monotherapy in group 1 (−0.1±9.7 beats per minute) and a minimal increase in those receiving combined therapy in group 2 (0.1±9.7 beats per minute). All of these findings were minor, with none being clinically significant between group 1 and group 2 (systolic BP, P=0.825; diastolic BP, P>0.99; and heart rate, P=0.87; Figure 3C).

Efficacy after 12 weeks of treatment

Statistically significant differences in total IPSS and IPSS-QoL scores between groups 1 and 2 were observed at endpoint when compared with baseline (both P<0.001, Figure 4A and B). A significant improvement in maximum flow rate was seen only in group 2 (15.49±7.89 mL/sec at endpoint versus 13.19±6.58 mL/sec at baseline, respectively). Changes in post-residual urine between the two groups, as well as maximum flow rate in group 1 were minor, with no significant differences (all P>0.05, Figure 4D–F).

Figure 4.

Mean change in efficacy measures from baseline to endpoint in groups 1 and 2. (A) Total IPSS score, (B) IPSS-QoL, (C), Qmax, (D), Qave, (E), Vvoid, and (F) PVR.

Notes: Data are expressed as the mean ± standard deviation. *P<0.001, **P<0.05. Group 1, alfuzosin 10 mg monotherapy; group 2, alfuzosin 10 mg combined with antihypertensive medication.

Abbreviations: IPSS, International Prostate Symptom Score; PVR, post-voiding residual volume; Qave, average flow rate; Qmax, maximum flow rate; QoL, quality of life; Vvoid, voided volume.

The change in total IPSS score from baseline to week 12 in group 1 failed to reach statistical significance relative to group 2 (mean difference 0.45, 95% confidence interval −1.26, 2.16; P=0.61). Further, the change in IPSS-QoL score was not significantly improved in group 1 at 12 weeks when compared with group 2 (0.12, 95% confidence interval −0.21, 0.45, P=0.47). In comparison with group 1, the mean change in maximum flow rate from baseline to endpoint in group 2 was not significant (P=0.28), as was the case for average urinary flow rate (P=0.18), voided volume ((P=0.78), and post-residual urine (P=0.08, Table 4).

Table 4.

Mean change in efficacy measures from baseline to endpoint for groups 1 and 2

Category	Group 1, n=100	Group 2, n=112	Mean difference group 2 versus group 1 adjusted mean (95% CI)	P-value
	Change from baseline	Change from baseline
IPSS
Total IPSS score	−6.29±5.74	−5.84±6.96	0.45 (−1.26, 2.16)	0.61
IPSS-QoL	−0.94±1.28	−0.82±1.17	0.12 (−0.21, 0.45)	0.47
Uroflowmetry
Qmax, mL/sec	1.28±6.59	2.29±7.08	0.93 (−0.83, 2.85)	0.28
Qave, mL/sec	0.06±5.74	0.95±3.79	0.89 (−0.43, 2.21)	0.18
Vvoid, mL	−5.20±174.77	−10.88±120.39	−5.68 (−46.55, 35.19)	0.78
PVR, mL	2.28±43.01	−7.40±36.74	−9.68 (−20.51, 1.15)	0.08

Notes: Group 1, alfuzosin 10 mg monotherapy; group 2, alfuzosin 10 mg combined with antihypertensive medication.

Abbreviations: CI, confidence interval; IPSS, International Prostate Symptom Score; QoL, quality of life; Qmax, maximum flow rate; Qave, average flow rate; Vvoid, voided volume; PVR, post-voided volume.

Safety and tolerability

Safety was evaluated on the basis of the proportion of patients with at least one TEAE in the total study population (Table 5). Overall rates of withdrawal, discontinuation because of adverse events, and one TEAE or more, including both vasodilation-related and sexual function-related adverse events, were also summarized. Similar to previous reports, the overall proportion of subjects on alfuzosin 10 mg reporting TEAEs was relatively low. The adverse events observed were similar to those reported in previous studies of alfuzosin, with headache and dizziness being the most common. Discontinuation due to TEAEs was not common across this current study, and serious adverse events were rare.

Table 5.

Withdrawals and adverse events from therapy

	Group 1 (n=136) n (%)	Group 2 (n=140) n (%)	Risk ratio, 95% CI	P-value
Withdrawals, all causes	36 (26.4)	28 (20.0)	0.75 (0.48, 1.17)	0.21
Subjects discontinuing because of AEs	7 (5.15)	9 (6.43)	1.25 (0.48, 3.26)	0.64
Subjects with one TEAE or more	18 (13.24)	25 (17.85)	1.34 (0.77, 2.35)	0.29
Vasodilation-related
Headache	2 (1.47)	3 (2.14)	1.45 (0.24, 8.58)	0.67
Dizziness/postural dizziness	8 (5.88)	6 (4.28)	0.72 (0.25, 2.04)	0.54
Hypotension/postural hypotension	1 (0.74)	2 (1.43)	1.94 (0.17, 21.17)	0.58
Syncope	0 (0)	2 (1.43)	4.85 (0.23, 100.27)	0.31
Sexual function-related	2 (1.47)	2 (1.43)	0.97 (0.14, 6.79)	0.97

Notes: Group 1, alfuzosin 10 mg monotherapy; group 2, alfuzosin 10 mg combined anti-hypertension medications therapy. P-value, Fisher’s exact test.

Abbreviations: CI, confidence interval; TEAE, treatment-emergent adverse event; AEs, adverse events.

In the overall study population, the proportion of patients with at least one TEAE (Table 5) was higher in those taking alfuzosin 10 mg in combination with antihypertensive medication than in those on alfuzosin 10 mg as monotherapy (17.85% versus 13.24%, P=0.29). The most common TEAEs in the monotherapy group and in the combination therapy group were headache (1.47% and 2.14%, respectively; P=0.67), dizziness/postural dizziness (5.88% and 4.28%, respectively; P=0.54), hypotension/postural hypotension (0.74% and 1.43%, respectively; P=0.58), and syncope (0% and 1.43%, respectively; P=0.31). The incidence of sexual function-related adverse events was also not significantly different between groups 1 and 2 (1.47% and 1.43%, respectively; P=0.97).

Withdrawals due to all causes were more common in patients receiving alfuzosin 10 mg monotherapy than in those on alfuzosin 10 mg as part of combination therapy (26.0% in group 1 and 20% in group 2; P=0.21). The rate of discontinuation because of adverse events in group 2 was similar to that in group 1 (6.43% and 5.15%, respectively; P=0.64, Table 5).

Discussion

This study demonstrates that alfuzosin 10 mg has no clinically important effects on BP when used to treat BPH/LUTS in men who are either physiologically normotensive or whose BP is regulated by other antihypertensive medications. The results provide reassurance for clinicians when prescribing an α-blocker, such as alfuzosin 10 mg, for a patient who is already on antihypertensive therapy, without the need to worry about the risk of hypotensive episodes. Further, the data suggest that alfuzosin 10 mg used as monotherapy might adequately control both BPH/LUTS and hypertension.

The incidences of BPH/LUTS and hypertension increase with age, and both are common in elderly males.¹⁵ Hence, it could be anticipated that many patients with BPH/LUTS concomitantly suffer from hypertension and vice versa. Patients with moderate or severe symptoms of BPH/LUTS should seek medical treatment.¹⁶ Due to the chronic nature of both BPH/LUTS and hypertension, safer and consistently effective medications are the best option. Current nonsurgical options favor α1-adrenoceptor antagonists, including alfuzosin, for the rapid and sustained relief of LUTS. The efficacy of alfuzosin in the treatment of BPH/LUTS has been well documented.^17–21 In one of the studies, two doses of alfuzosin (10 mg and 15 mg) or tamsulosin 0.4 mg once daily were evaluated for treating symptomatic BPH/LUTS. Both medications had similar cardiovascular tolerability, and changes in BP were relatively lower with alfuzosin than with tamsulosin.²¹ The favorable safety profile of alfuzosin from a cardiovascular perspective might account for its preferential distribution in the human prostate.²²

The current study also demonstrates that alfuzosin 10 mg was well tolerated by the cardiovascular system in the longer term. The overall discontinuation rate was 5.79% and the adverse event rate was relatively low. Adverse events related to the cardiovascular system were also few in number, with the most frequently reported events being dizziness and headache. Further, no significant change in BP or heart rate was observed in patients on alfuzosin 10 mg, including in elderly subjects with hypertension. These outcomes are consistent with those reported previously for alfuzosin 10 mg in real-life practice.^18,23 This more favorable safety profile might reflect the pharmacokinetic properties of the 10 mg dose of alfuzosin. Therefore, the favorable pharmacokinetic profile of alfuzosin underlined the effectiveness on LUTS without obvious adverse events.

The improvements in total IPSS and IPSS-QoL scores with alfuzosin 10 mg at the 12-week endpoint in this study was consistent with those in several previous reports.^{18,19,24–26} In contrast with the findings for total IPSS and IPSS-QoL, only a numeric (rather than statistically significant) improvement in maximum flow rate was observed with alfuzosin 10 mg. The present findings did not indicate difference from previous studies for baseline demographics or clinical characteristics from Europe.^18,19,24,25

The advantage of the present study is that it evaluated patients according to the presence or absence of treatment and hypertension at randomization, and assessed mean changes in BP on concomitant antihypertensive medication. Although the current study was one of standard duration for evaluating the efficacy of alfuzosin in patients with BPH/LUTS, it did not address the longer-term efficacy of alfuzosin or its impact on disease progression.

Conclusion

This short-term randomized study indicates the efficacy and safety of alfuzosin 10 mg alone or in combination with other antihypertensive medications in patients with BPH/LUTS. The changes in BP were marginal and well tolerated. However, alfuzosin 10 mg significantly decreased BP in patients with uncontrolled or untreated hypertension when compared with those who were normotensive or had controlled hypertension. Therefore, patients with uncontrolled or untreated hypertension require careful evaluation before initiation of treatment with alfuzosin 10 mg to treat BPH/LUTS. A long-term trial evaluating the efficacy of alfuzosin 10 mg in preventing the clinical progression of BPH/LUTS is warranted.