title: Tamsulosin modified release and oral controlled absorption system in the management of lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tamsulosin MR has been on the market for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) for many years. Recently, tamsulosin OCAS was introduced, which has improved pharmacokinetics.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tamsulosin.
  
  
  METHODS
  Literature was identified through a PubMed search using the term 'tamsulosin' and by screening reference lists of review articles.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Tamsulosin rapidly improves LUTS/BPH, with benefits maintained in the long-term. The overall tolerability of tamsulosin MR 0.4 mg is comparable to that of placebo. While the efficacy of tamsulosin OCAS and MR is comparable, tamsulosin OCAS is slightly better tolerated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tamsulosin OCAS 0.4 mg has a favourable efficacy/safety profile and should be considered the treatment of choice for patients requiring optimal symptom control without increasing the risk of cardiovascular adverse events.
authors.affiliation: University Clinics of Brussels, Hôpital Erasme, Department of Urology, Route de Lennik 808, 1070 Brussels, Belgium. Claude.Schulman@ulb.ac.be
authors.forename: Claude C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Schulman
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D008297:Male; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077409:Tamsulosin; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D013449:Sulfonamides; D000077409:Tamsulosin