[Clinical efficacy of a short-term regimen of Cardura XL on lower urinary tract symptoms and international prognostic scoring system in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Cardura XL (doxazosin mesylate controlled release tablets) on lower urinary tract symptoms, IPSS (international prognostic scoring system) and short-term QOL (quality of life) (3 months) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

METHODS

From July 2008 to February 2009, 80 male BPH patients with a mean age of 70.5 years old (range: 62-82) were prospectively recruited to receive a daily dose of Cardura XL 4 mg for 3 months. Clinical parameters of IPSS QOL, Qmax (maximum flow rate), residual urine, blood pressure and heart rate were recorded before and 3 months after treatment. Paired t test was performed on the corresponding data. And therapeutic efficacy and side effects were analyzed according to the statistical results.

RESULTS

All 80 patients finished a 3-month medical regimen. Between pre-treatment and 3 months after medication, paired t test was performed on the corresponding data of maximum flow rate (Qmax), residual urine, IPSS, QOL, blood pressure and heart rate. Significant differences were observed in all corresponding data (P < 0.001) except heart rate (P = 0.685). Furthermore analyses were performed on the corresponding IPSS and QOL between one month and 3 months after treatment. Significant improvement was also observed in IPSS and QOL after a longer medication (P < 0.001). Transient side effects were observed in 16 patients (20%): headache (n = 8, 10%), fatigue (n = 4, 5%) and dizziness (n = 4, 5%). No patient withdrew from the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardura XL, at a daily dose of 4 mg daily for 3 months, is a safe and effective regimen in BPH patients. Significant improvement is observed for lower urinary tract symptoms, IPSS and QOL. A longer medication may lead to further improvement of IPSS and QOL. After dosing, both systolic and diastolic blood pressures fall down significantly. No significant effect on heart rate is found. And most patients have an excellent tolerance.