Cardiovascular and ocular safety of α1-adrenoceptor antagonists in the treatment of male lower urinary tract symptoms

Identification of potentially causative drugs associated with hypotension: A scoping review

Drug-induced hypotension can be harmful and may lead to hospital admissions. The occurrence of hypotension during drug therapy is preventable through increased awareness. This scoping review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of antihypertensive and nonantihypertensive drugs associated with hypotension in adults. A systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library, focusing on studies from January 2013 to May 2023. Search terms were developed to capture key concepts related to hypotension and adverse drug events in adults while excluding terms related to allergic reactions, phytotherapy and studies involving paediatric, pregnant or animal populations. The eligibility criteria included a wide range of study types evaluating hypotension as an adverse drug event across all healthcare settings. Relevant information was extracted from the included studies, while identified drugs associated with hypotension were categorised into drug classes. The review was reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. In 97 eligible studies, we identified 26 antihypertensive drugs grouped into nine different antihypertensive classes and 158 other drugs grouped into 22 other drug classes. Common antihypertensive classes were angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta blockers and diuretics. Frequently reported nonantihypertensive classes were neuroleptics, alpha-1 blockers for benign prostatic hyperplasia, benzodiazepines, opioids and antidepressants. The results highlight the importance of healthcare professionals being aware of nonantihypertensive drugs that can cause hypotension. This review provides a basis for future systematic reviews to explore dose-dependence, drug-drug interactions and confounding factors.

Association between alpha blocker use and the risk of fractures in patients with chronic kidney disease: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

Alpha blockers (ABs) are frequently prescribed to patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is often complicated by refractory hypertension (HT). Although there have been several reports on the association between AB use and the risk of fractures, their conclusions have not yet been drawn. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between AB use and the risk of fractures in patients with CKD.

METHOD

This population-based cohort study used patient data obtained between April 2008 and August 2021 from a large-scale Japanese medical claims database. Consecutive patients with CKD who were newly prescribed ABs or non-AB antihypertensive drugs were included; males and females were analysed separately. The AB group was then divided into AB for HT and voiding dysfunction (VD) groups according to the drug approval in Japan. The primary outcome was the first hospitalisation due to fracture, and the variables were evaluated with weighted Cox proportional hazard model using overlap weights.

RESULTS

A total of 65,012, 4,723, and 10,958 males constituted the non-AB, AB for HT (doxazosin), and AB for VD (naftopidil, silodosin, tamsulosin, or urapidil) groups, respectively. A total of 31,887, 2,409, and 965 females constituted the non-AB, AB for HT (doxazosin or guanabenz), and AB for VD (urapidil) groups, respectively. In males, hazard ratio (HR) for primary outcome was not increased in the non-AB and AB for VD groups compared with the AB for HT group (HR, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38-1.28 and HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.67-2.66, in the non-AB and AB for VD groups, respectively). Whereas, in females, although HR for the primary outcome was not increased in the non-AB group (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.56-1.99), it was significantly increased in the AB for VD group (HR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.01-5.16) compared with the AB for HT group.

CONCLUSION

AB use in patients with CKD did not increase the risk of fractures when used for the treatment of HT; however, it increased the risk of fractures when used for the treatment of VD in females. These results suggest that ABs should be used with caution in these patients.

Timing Matters: A Machine Learning Method for the Prioritization of Drug-Drug Interactions Through Signal Detection in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System and Their Relationship with Time of Co-exposure

INTRODUCTION

Current drug-drug interaction (DDI) detection methods often miss the aspect of temporal plausibility, leading to false-positive disproportionality signals in spontaneous reporting system (SRS) databases.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to develop a method for detecting and prioritizing temporally plausible disproportionality signals of DDIs in SRS databases by incorporating co-exposure time in disproportionality analysis.

METHODS

The method was tested in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). The CRESCENDDI dataset of positive controls served as the primary source of true-positive DDIs. Disproportionality analysis was performed considering the time of co-exposure. Temporal plausibility was assessed using the flex point of cumulative reporting of disproportionality signals. Potential confounders were identified using a machine learning method (i.e. Lasso regression).

RESULTS

Disproportionality analysis was conducted on 122 triplets with more than three cases, resulting in the prioritization of 61 disproportionality signals (50.0%) involving 13 adverse events, with 61.5% of these included in the European Medicine Agency's (EMA's) Important Medical Event (IME) list. A total of 27 signals (44.3%) had at least ten cases reporting the triplet of interest, and most of them (n = 19; 70.4%) were temporally plausible. The retrieved confounders were mainly other concomitant drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our method was able to prioritize disproportionality signals with temporal plausibility. This finding suggests a potential for our method in pinpointing signals that are more likely to be furtherly validated.

Adrenoceptors in the Eye - Physiological and Pathophysiological Relevance

The autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in the innervation of the eye. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that catecholamines and their corresponding receptors have been extensively studied and characterized in numerous ocular structures, including the cornea, conjunctiva, lacrimal gland, trabecular meshwork, uvea, and retina. These investigations have unveiled substantial clinical implications, particularly in the context of treating glaucoma, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder responsible for irreversible vision loss on a global scale. The primary therapeutic approaches for glaucoma frequently involve the modulation of α1-, α2-, and β-adrenoceptors, making them pivotal targets. In this chapter, we offer a comprehensive overview of the expression, distribution, and functional roles of adrenoceptors within various components of the eye and its associated structures. Additionally, we delve into the pivotal role of adrenoceptors in the pathophysiology of glaucoma. Furthermore, we provide a concise historical perspective on adrenoceptor research, examine the distinct contributions of individual adrenoceptor subtypes to the treatment of various ocular conditions, and propose potential future avenues of exploration in this field.

[Conservative and pharmacological treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia : The German S2e-guideline 2023-part2]

BACKGROUND

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, in German guidelines: benign prostatic syndrome [BPS]) is considered the most common disease of the lower urinary tract in men and can have a tremendous impact on the quality-of-life of affected patients. Conservative and pharmacological therapy of this disease are of great importance, both in improving LUTS and reducing progression-related complications.

OBJECTIVES

Presentation of the conservative and pharmacological treatment options according to the current German S2e guideline on BPS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Summary and overview of chapters 9 and 10 of the current German S2e guideline on BPS.

RESULTS

In addition to a controlled watchful waiting for BPS patients without an absolute indication for prostate surgery, a variety of phytopharmacological formulations and synthetic drugs according to the symptomatology and clinical progress are available. Phytotherapy should, due to inconsistent study data, only be considered for mild to moderate symptoms. Synthetic drugs include alpha-blockers, 5α-reductase inhibitors, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, antimuscarinics and, more recently, the β3-agonist mirabegron in the current guideline. In addition, various combination therapies are listed and evaluated according to their indications, effects and side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The current German S2e guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of BPS provides an evidence-based foundation for finding the best possible and most effective medication.

Potential side effects of currently available pharmacotherapies in male lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia

INTRODUCTION

The drug classes of α1-adrenoceptor antagonists, 5α-reductase inhibitors, and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are guideline-recommended treatments of lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia; muscarinic receptor antagonists and β3-adrenoceptor agonists are also recommended if storage symptoms are insufficiently addressed with one of the other three drug classes.

AREAS COVERED

We provide a narrative review (no formalized literature searches performed) of the tolerability of these drug classes with emphasis on the more recently introduced medications, on combination treatment, and on more lately emerging risks.

EXPERT OPINION/COMMENTARY

The tolerability profiles are distinct between drug classes but, with few exceptions, similar within a drug class. Within a drug, formulations with longer duration of action tend to have better tolerability. Efficacy gains using combination treatment at least partly come at a cost of lesser tolerability. Greater susceptibility to experience adverse events based on age, comorbidities, and comedications appears conceptually important but remains under-investigated in this therapeutic area.

Electronic medical records-based retrospective, longitudinal, observational study to understand the patient management of benign prostatic hyperplasia with alpha-blockers monotherapy in Indian population

Objective

The present retrospective study evaluates the effectiveness and tolerability of alpha-blockers as monotherapy in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Materials and Methods

A total of 335 male patients >50 years were categorized into four groups (Alfuzosin: 166, Silodosin: 67, Tamsulosin: 70, Prazosin: 32). The efficacy evaluated as a change in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), peak flow rate (Qmax), residual urine volume, and relief from LUTS, and tolerability of the various alpha-blockers was assessed across the study group.

Results

At baseline, most of the patients in alfuzosin (60%), silodosin (77%), and tamsulosin (90%) groups presented with severe IPSS (20-35), whereas patients in the prazosin group (69%) presented with a moderate score. At the end of the study, the mean IPSS gradually improved to moderate (41%, 62%, 66%, and 28%) and mild (59%, 38%, 28%, and 72%) in the alfuzosin, silodosin, tamsulosin, and prazosin groups, respectively (P = 0.004), with improvement in mean change in residual urine volume and complete relief from LUTS symptoms with no surgical or radiological interventions. Overall, 194 adverse events (AEs) were observed in 38.8% of patients. Of the total AEs, patients in the alfuzosin, silodosin, tamsulosin, and prazosin groups experienced 21%, 22%, 39%, and 18% of AEs, respectively.

Conclusion

The nonselective alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonist, alfuzosin, emerged as noninferior in effectiveness and superior in tolerability than other selective alpha-blockers, silodosin, tamsulosin, and prazosin.

β-Adrenoreceptors as Therapeutic Targets for Ocular Tumors and Other Eye Diseases-Historical Aspects and Nowadays Understanding

β-adrenoreceptors (ARs) are members of the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and are activated by catecholamines, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. Three subtypes of β-ARs (β₁, β₂, and β₃) have been identified with different distributions among ocular tissues. Importantly, β-ARs are an established target in the treatment of glaucoma. Moreover, β-adrenergic signaling has been associated with the development and progression of various tumor types. Hence, β-ARs are a potential therapeutic target for ocular neoplasms, such as ocular hemangioma and uveal melanoma. This review aims to discuss the expression and function of individual β-AR subtypes in ocular structures, as well as their role in the treatment of ocular diseases, including ocular tumors.

Persistence to Medications for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia/Benign Prostatic Obstruction-Associated Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in the ASL TO4 Regione Piemonte (Italy)

BACKGROUND

Pharmacological treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)/benign prostatic obstruction (BPO)-associated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) aims at improving patients' quality of life by managing urinary symptoms and preventing complications and disease progression. However, continuous use of drugs to treat BPH/BPO-associated LUTS decreases over time. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to describe use of α1-adrenoceptor antagonists (ABs) and steroid 5α-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) by adult (age ≥ 40 years) men in the ASL TO4, a Local Health Authority in the northern area of the city of Turin (Italy).

METHODS

Persistence measures were adopted as a robust, informative, and feasible way to understand medication-taking behavior and to assess patient compliance.

RESULTS

A total of 4309 men (median age 71 years) were enrolled. Monotherapy was the treatment option prescribed to the largest part of the study population. However, ≥two drugs were prescribed to a substantial proportion of men (23%). Men prescribed alfuzosin or dutasteride had significantly greater persistence, which decreased over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Unmet needs and areas of intervention for healthcare systems aimed at improving the use of drugs for BHP/BPO-associated LUTS in the ASL TO4 Regione Piemonte were identified.

Comparison of effects of tamsulosin and silodosin on subfoveal choroidal thickness and pupil size diameters in patients with prostatic hyperplasia

PURPOSE

To compare the effects of selective α-1 adrenoceptor antagonists on subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and pupil diameter size (PDS).

METHODS

This prospective study included 87 patients diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia who were treated with tamsulosin hydrochloride (n = 41) or silodosin (n = 46). SFCT measurements were obtained using spectral domain optic coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and PDS measurements were obtained under mesopic, photopic and scotopic conditions using a photography-based topography system. SFCT and PDS were evaluated at baseline and 3-, 6- and 12-mo follow-ups.

RESULTS

The initial mean SFCT was 270.53 ± 21.48 µm in tamsulosin group and 271.95 ± 24. 73 in silodosin group (P = 0.078). There was no statistically significant change in SFCT at the 3-mo visit. At the 6-mo follow-up, the mean SFCT was 281.34 ± 22.09 µm in tamsulosin group and 272.5 ± 22.4 µm in silodosin group. At the 12th month, the mean SFCT in tamsulosin group was 290.80 ± 17.27 µm, and it was 270.80 ± 13.14 µm in silodosin group. There was statistically significant difference in at 6th and 12-mo visits (P = 0.014 and P = 0.00). During the follow-up, both drugs induced a similar significant decrease in PDS under all conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Tamsulosin hydrochloride caused a significant increase in SFCT. In contrast, SFCT did not increase in silodosin group. The decreases in PDS achieved using both drugs were similar. This should be kept in mind when choroidal disease and its response to treatment are followed by CT imaging.

Development of a Management Algorithm for Acute and Chronic Radiation Urethritis and Cystitis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this review was to summarize the current literature on the assessment and treatment of radiation urethritis and cystitis (RUC) for the development of an evidenced-based management algorithm.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The PubMed/MEDLINE database was searched by a multidisciplinary group of experts in January 2021.

RESULTS

In total, 48 publications were identified. Three different types of RUC can be observed in clinical practice: inflammation-predominant, bleeding-predominant, and the combination of inflammation- and bleeding-RUC. There is no consensus on the optimal treatment of RUC. Inflammation-predominant RUC should be treated symptomatically based on the existence of bothersome storage or voiding lower urinary tract symptom as well as on pain. When bleeding-predominant RUC has occurred, hydration and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HOT) should be used first and, if HOT is not available, oral drugs instead (sodium pentosane polysulfate, aminocaproic acid, immunokine WF 10, conjugated estrogene, or pentoxifylline + vitamin E). If local bleeding persists, focal therapy of bleeding vessels with a laser or electrocoagulation is indicated. In case of generalized bleeding, intravesical installation should be initiated (formalin, aluminium salts, and hyaluronic acid/chondroitin). Vessel embolization is a less invasive treatment with potentially less complications and good clinical outcomes. Open- or robot-assisted surgery is indicated in patients with permanent, life-threatening bleeding, or fistulae.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of RUC, if not self-limiting, should be done according to the type of RUC and in a stepwise approach. Conservative/medical treatment (oral and topic agents) should primarily be used before invasive (transurethral) treatments.

Cognitive Function and Urologic Medications for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Special considerations should be made when selecting medications for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in older patients especially those over 65 years old. This review summarizes the relationship between current treatments for LUTS and cognitive impairment. Although the recently reported association between dementia and tamsulosin is debatable, the effects of α-blockers and pharmacokinetics are not reported in this context. Five-alpha reductase inhibitors appear to affect mood. However, the association between the development of dementia and cognitive impairment is unlikely. Anticholinergic agents, other than trospium, fesoterodine, and imdafenacin have a relatively high distribution in the central nervous system. In particular, oxybutynin is reported to cause cognitive impairment. Several animal studies on the blood-brain barrier permeability of oxybutynin support this. Therefore, care must be taken when they are used in older patients (65 years and older). Beta-3 agonists are an alternative to, or may be used in combination with, anticholinergic drugs for patients with an overactive bladder (OAB). Several phase 2 and 3 clinical studies report high tolerability and efficacy, making them relatively safe for OAB treatment. However, there is a possibility that cognitive function may be affected; thus, long-term study data are required. We have reviewed studies investigating the correlation of urologic medications with cognitive dysfunction and have provided an overview of drug selection, as well as other considerations in older patients (65 years and older) with LUTS. This narrative review has focused primarily on articles indexed in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Embase databases. No formal search strategy was used, and no meta-analysis of data was performed.

The affinity and selectivity of α-adrenoceptor antagonists, antidepressants, and antipsychotics for the human α1A, α1B, and α1D-adrenoceptors

α1-adrenoceptor antagonists are widely used for hypertension (eg, doxazosin) and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH, eg, tamsulosin). Some antidepressants and antipsychotics have been reported to have α1 affinity. This study examined 101 clinical drugs and laboratory compounds to build a comprehensive understanding of α1-adrenoceptor subtype affinity and selectivity. [3H]prazosin whole-cell binding was conducted in CHO cells stably expressing either the full-length human α1A, α1B, or α1D-adrenoceptor. As expected, doxazosin was a high-affinity nonselective α1-antagonist although other compounds (eg, cyclazosin, 3-MPPI, and ARC239) had higher affinities. Several highly α1A-selective antagonists were confirmed (SNAP5089 had over 1700-fold α1A selectivity). Despite all compounds demonstrating α1 affinity, only BMY7378 had α1D selectivity and no α1B-selective compounds were identified. Phenoxybenzamine (used in pheochromocytoma) and dibenamine had two-component-binding inhibition curves at all three receptors. Incubation with sodium thiosulfate abolished the high-affinity component suggesting this part is receptor mediated. Drugs used for hypertension and BPH had very similar α1A/α1B/α1D-adrenoceptor pharmacological profiles. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (antidepressants) had poor α1-adrenoceptor affinity. Several tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) and antipsychotics (eg, chlorpromazine and risperidone) had high α1-adrenoceptor affinities, similar to, or higher than, α blockers prescribed for hypertension and BPH, whereas others had poor α1 affinity (eg, protriptyline, sulpiride, amisulpiride, and olanzapine). The addition of α blockers for the management of hypertension or BPH in people already taking tricyclic antidepressants and certain antipsychotics may not be beneficial. Awareness of the α-blocking potential of different antipsychotics may affect the choice of drug for those with delirium where additional hypotension (eg, in sepsis) may be detrimental.

Efficacy and Side Effects of Drugs Commonly Used for the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Associated With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common benign disease of the prostate gland and is caused by benign hyperplasia of the smooth muscle cells and stromal cells in this important gland. BPH is also the most common disease underlying lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The incidence of BPH increases with age and affects more than half of all men 50 years or older. BPH mainly exerts effects on urinary function and can seriously reduce a patient's quality of life. At present, treatment for BPH aims primarily to improve the quality of life and reduce the risk of BPH-related complications. Pharmacological therapy is recommended for moderate-to-severe cases of LUTS that are suggestive of BPH. A range of drugs is currently available to treat this condition, including α1-adrenoceptor antagonists, 5α-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs), phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is), muscarinic receptor antagonists (MRAs), β3-adrenoceptor agonists, and plant extracts. Of these, the most commonly used drugs in the clinic are α1-adrenoceptor antagonists, 5-ARIs, and combination therapy. However, these drugs exert their effects via various mechanisms and are associated with adverse reactions. The purpose of this review is to provide current comprehensive perspectives on the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and adverse reactions associated with the drugs most commonly used for the treatment of BPH.

Tamsulosin dispensation patterns in the United States: a real-world, longitudinal, population claims database analysis

Background

Tamsulosin remains the single most popular uroselective alpha adrenoceptor antagonist approved for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) attributable to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Over the last 3 decades, the utilization of tamsulosin has extended to conditions beyond its original indication. To identify potential changes to prescribing patterns and the extent of tamsulosin use for conditions beyond its original indication, we evaluated tamsulosin dispensing patterns in the United States using a large, multi-payer claims database.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis using IMS PharMetrics Plus™. Patients with a tamsulosin dispensation/BPH diagnosis code (index dates), identified during a 12-month selection period (October 2012-September 2013), were included if continuously enrolled in a health plan during the 18-month analysis period (12 months pre-index-6 months post-index). Patient and provider characteristics were evaluated using descriptive statistics and were contrasted with previously reported data from the literature.

Results

Of 133,977 patients dispensed tamsulosin during the analysis period, 72,583 (54.2%) were new users [59,197 (81.6%) men; 13,386 (18.4%) women]. Tamsulosin was newly initiated in men and women mostly by primary care physicians (PCPs; 31.6%) and emergency medicine physicians (21.6%). During the analysis period, 35,071 (59.2%) male new tamsulosin users did not receive a BPH diagnosis code during the analysis period. Of 199,468 men with a BPH diagnosis code, 143,444 (71.9%) were newly diagnosed, mostly [70,412 (49.1%)] by urologists. Few men received hypotension diagnosis: 252 (0.4%) new tamsulosin users within 1 month of starting tamsulosin and 640 (0.4%) within 1 month of a new BPH diagnosis.

Conclusions

Tamsulosin was prescribed in patients without a recorded diagnosis of BPH and in women. Physicians were comfortable prescribing tamsulosin in the presence of comorbidity and polypharmacy, and PCPs and emergency medicine physicians were the primary prescribers. These results have important implications for future retrospective research for tamsulosin.

Effects of CYP2D6 and CYP3A5 genetic polymorphisms on steady-state pharmacokinetics and hemodynamic effects of tamsulosin in humans

PURPOSE

Tamsulosin is one of the most potent drugs currently available to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 and CYP3A are the two major enzymes responsible for tamsulosin metabolism. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of CYP2D6 and CYP3A5 genetic polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics and hemodynamic effects of tamsulosin in humans.

METHODS

Twenty-nine male subjects were enrolled and their CYP2D6 (*2,*4,*5,*10,*14,*21,*41, and *xN) and CYP3A5 (*5) genotypes were screened. Tamsulosin was administered daily for 6 days to assess its steady-state pharmacokinetics and hemodynamic effects according to CYP2D6 and CYP3A5 genotypes.

RESULTS

CYP2D6 group 3 (with genotype *10/*10 or *5/*10) exhibited higher plasma levels than CYP2D6 group 1 (with genotype *1/*1,*1/*2,*1/*2xN, or *2/*10xN) or CYP2D6 group 2 (with genotype *1/*10,*1/*41, or *2/*5) (trough concentrations for groups 1, 2, and 3: 1.3, 1.8, and 3.8 ng/mL, respectively [P < 0.001]; peak concentrations for groups 1, 2, 3: 8.3, 10.0, and 13.8 ng/mL, respectively [P < 0.005]). Similarly, CYP2D6 genotypes influenced the hemodynamic effects of tamsulosin based on systolic and diastolic blood pressures. However, the CYP3A5*3 polymorphism did not affect tamsulosin plasma levels and its hemodynamic effects.

CONCLUSION

The CYP2D6 but not the CYP3A5 genetic polymorphisms affected the pharmacokinetics and the hemodynamic effects of tamsulosin.

The Effects of Systemic Alfuzosin and Tamsulosin Hydrochloride on Choroidal Thickness and Pupil Diameter Sizes in Cases with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

PURPOSE

To compare the effects of alfuzosin hydrochloride and tamsulosin hydrochloride on choroidal thickness (CT) and pupil diameter (PD) sizes in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Sixty-three men patients with newly diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia were randomly assigned to either alfuzosin hydrochloride or to tamsulosin hydrochloride groups in this prospective, randomized, parallel-group clinical trial. Enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, pupillography were obtained at baseline, 1st and 3rd month, and choroidal thicknesses and pupil diameter sizes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT), nasal choroidal thickness (NCT), and temporal choroidal thickness (TCT) in AH group were 275.70 ± 32.14 μm, 269.7 ± 33.54 μm and 270.71 ± 33.52 μm at baseline, respectively; and they were 275.46 ± 31.6 μm, 268.73 ± 33.08 μm and 270.73 ± 33.05 μm at baseline in TH group, respectively (P = 0.97, P = 0.84, P = 0.99, for SCT, NCT, and TCT, respectively). The mean SCT, NCT, and TCT after 3 months were 278.93 ± 34.58 μm, 272.62 ± 34.17 μm, and 273.6 ± 34.17 μm in AH group, respectively; and they were 274.36 ± 31.91 μm, 264.70 ± 33.59 μm, and 267.72 ± 33.6 μm in TH group, respectively (P = 0.6, P = 0.37, P = 0.43, for SCT, NCT, and TCT, respectively). The mean scotopic pupil diameter (SPD), mesopic pupil diameter (MPD), and photopic pupil diameter (PPD) sizes in AH group were 6.46 ± 0.84 mm, 5.07 ± 0.72 mm and 3.66 ± 0.46 mm at baseline, respectively; and they were 6.44 ± 1.14 mm, 5.01 ± 0.79 mm and 3.62 ± 0.53 mm at baseline in TH group, respectively (P = 0.89, P = 0.74, P = 0.68, for SPD, MPD, and PPD, respectively). The mean SPD, MPD, and PPD sizes after 3 months were 5.96 ± 0.76 mm, 4.67 ± 0.74 mm, and 3.15 ± 0.47 mm in AH group, respectively; and they were 6.42 ± 0.89 mm, 5.05 ± 0.75 mm, and 3.55 ± 0.53 mm in TH group respectively (P = < 0.001, P = < 0.001, P = < 0.001, for SPD, MPD, and PPD, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The repeated measure of ANOVA for the mean CT values within AH group showed statistically significant increases in baseline CTs, although these differences did not reach statistical significance between 2 groups at follow-ups. We found significant different outcomes for PD sizes during study in the groups. The mean outcome in this study is that using αAR antagonists have potential effects on CT and PD sizes. Abbreviations and Acronyms: AH: alfuzosin hyrdrochloride; ANOVA: analyses of variance; AR: adrenergic receptor; BCVA: best-corrected visual acuity; BPH: benign prostatic hyperplasia; CT: choroidal thickness; EDI-OCT: enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography; IFIS: intraoperative floppy iris syndrome; MPD: mesopic pupil diameter; NCT: nasal choroidal thickness; PD: pupil diameter; PPD: photopic pupil diameter; SCT: subfoveal choroidal thickness; SPD: scotopic pupil diameter; TCT: temporal choroidal thickness; TH: tamsulosin hydrochloride.

Prescription medicine use by pedestrians and the risk of injurious road traffic crashes: A case-crossover study

BACKGROUND

While some medicinal drugs have been found to affect driving ability, no study has investigated whether a relationship exists between these medicines and crashes involving pedestrians. The aim of this study was to explore the association between the use of medicinal drugs and the risk of being involved in a road traffic crash as a pedestrian.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

Data from 3 French nationwide databases were matched. We used the case-crossover design to control for time-invariant factors by using each case as its own control. To perform multivariable analysis and limit false-positive results, we implemented a bootstrap version of Lasso. To avoid the effect of unmeasured time-varying factors, we varied the length of the washout period from 30 to 119 days before the crash. The matching procedure led to the inclusion of 16,458 pedestrians involved in an injurious road traffic crash from 1 July 2005 to 31 December 2011. We found 48 medicine classes with a positive association with the risk of crash, with median odds ratios ranging from 1.12 to 2.98. Among these, benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-related drugs, antihistamines, and anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic drugs were among the 10 medicines most consumed by the 16,458 pedestrians. Study limitations included slight overrepresentation of pedestrians injured in more severe crashes, lack of information about self-medication and the use of over-the-counter drugs, and lack of data on amount of walking.

CONCLUSIONS

Therapeutic classes already identified as impacting the ability to drive, such as benzodiazepines and antihistamines, are also associated with an increased risk of pedestrians being involved in a road traffic crash. This study on pedestrians highlights the necessity of improving awareness of the effect of these medicines on this category of road user.

α1-Blockers in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Suggestive of Benign Prostatic Obstruction: Is Silodosin Different?

Available α1-blockers (ABs) have different profiles of receptor selectivity. Silodosin exhibits the highest selectivity for the α_1A adrenergic receptor. This pharmacological feature couples with a singular urodynamic and clinical profile. The magnitude of bladder outlet obstruction improvement in patients receiving silodosin is higher if compared to other ABs. From a clinical point of view, current evidence suggests an advantage in favor of silodosin in terms of nocturia improvement and cardiovascular safety. The incidence of ejaculatory dysfunction with silodosin is higher compared to other Abs.

Drug interactions between antiretrovirals and drugs used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia/lower urinary tract symptoms

INTRODUCTION

Significant advances in antiretroviral (ARV) therapy have transformed HIV into a chronic manageable disease. Co-morbidities associated with aging, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), are becoming increasingly prevalent in the HIV-infected population. The pharmacological treatment of BPH involves medications mainly metabolized by CYP 450 enzymes, while many ARVs have inducing or inhibiting effects on the CYP 450 system. Consequently, there is potential for significant pharmacokinetic (PK) interactions between these two classes of medications.

AREAS COVERED

This article reviews the pharmacology and metabolism of selected BPH drug therapies and ARVs, in addition to highlighting potential interactions between these two drug categories. The authors also present PK evidence of interactions from available clinical trials, product monographs and international conference abstracts. Potentially significant drug interactions are summarized and strategies for management are discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

Drugs most likely to interact with BPH medications include protease inhibitors, the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors efavirenz, nevirapine, etravirine, and the cobicistat-boosted integrase inhibitor elvitegravir. Clinically significant PK interactions with BPH medications and dolutegravir, raltegravir, rilpivirine, or the investigational agent doravirine do not appear to exist. Clinicians working with HIV-infected individuals need to recognize the potential for interactions involving BPH and ARV treatments to ensure effective and safe drug therapy use.

Effectiveness and safety of silodosin in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A European phase IV clinical study (SiRE study)

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefit-risk balance of silodosin in a real-life setting of benign prostatic hyperplasia patients with lower urinary tract symptoms.

METHODS

A phase IV trial including men aged ≥60 years with a clinical diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia with an International Prostate Symptom Score ≥12 was carried out. Patients received silodosin 8 mg for 24 weeks. The primary end-point was a decrease ≥25% in the total International Prostate Symptom Score. Secondary end-points were: changes in total, storage and voiding, and quality of life International Prostate Symptom Scores; changes in the International Continence Society-male questionnaire; changes in the frequency/volume chart; and satisfaction according to the Patient Perception of Study Medication questionnaire. Treatment-emergent adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

Overall, 1036 patients were enrolled. Of these, 766 patients (77.1%) had a decrease ≥25% in the total International Prostate Symptom Score. The mean total International Prostate Symptom Score, and storage and voiding symptoms subscores decreased from 18.9, 8.1 and 10.8 to 10.6, 4.9 and 5.7. Nocturia decreased from 85.7% to 52.4%. The mean International Prostate Symptom Score quality of life score decreased from 4.0 to 2.2. Half of the patients reported an improvement in the frequency and bothersomeness of the most frequent symptoms reported at baseline (all P < 0.001). A reduction in the number of voids was documented by the frequency/volume chart data. The most common treatment-emergent adverse event was ejaculation failure (185 patients; 17.9%), which led to study discontinuation in 2.4% of patients. Overall, 74.2% of patients were satisfied with the medication.

CONCLUSIONS

Silodosin improved lower urinary tract symptoms in three out of four patients, including diurnal voiding and storage symptoms, nocturia, and quality of life. This treatment showed a favorable safety profile in this setting.

The risk of fall and fracture with the initiation of a prostate-selective α antagonist: a population based cohort study

STUDY QUESTION

Do men starting treatment with prostate-specific α antagonists have increased risk of fall and fracture?

METHODS

Administrative datasets from the province of Ontario, Canada, that contain patient level data were used to generate a cohort of 147,084 men aged ≥ 66 years who filled their first outpatient prescription for prostate-specific α antagonists tamsulosin, alfuzosin, or silodosin between June 2003 and December 2013 (exposed men) plus an equal sized cohort matched 1:1 (using a propensity score model) who did not initiate α antagonist therapy. The primary outcome was a hospital emergency room visit or inpatient admission for a fall or fracture in the 90 days after exposure.

STUDY ANSWER AND LIMITATIONS

The men exposed to prostate-specific α antagonist had significantly increased risks of falling (odds ratio 1.14 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.21), absolute risk increase 0.17% (0.08 to 0.25%)) and of sustaining a fracture (odds ratio 1.16 (1.04 to 1.29), absolute risk increase 0.06% (0.02 to 0.11%)) compared with the unexposed cohort. This increased risk was not observed in the period before α antagonist use. Secondary outcomes of hypotension and head trauma were also significantly increased in the exposed cohort (odds ratios 1.80 (1.59 to 2.03) and 1.15 (1.04 to 1.27) respectively). The two cohorts were similar across 98 different covariates including demographics, comorbid conditions, medication use, healthcare use, and prior medical investigation. Potential unmeasured confounders, such as physical deconditioning, mobility impairment, and situational risk factors, may exist. The data used to identify the primary outcomes had limited sensitivity, so the absolute risks of the outcomes are probably underestimates. The study only included men ≥ 66 years old, and 84% of exposed men were prescribed tamsulosin, so results may not be generalizable to younger men, and there may not be statistical power to show small differences in outcomes between the drugs.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

Prostate-specific α antagonists are associated with a small but significant increased risk of fall, fracture, and head trauma, probably as a result of induced hypotension.

FUNDING, COMPETING INTERESTS, DATA SHARING

This project was conducted at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) Western Site through the Kidney, Dialysis, and Transplantation (KDT) research program. BW has received a research grant from Astellas, and L-AF does consultancy for Amgen.

The preclinical profile of brexpiprazole: what is its clinical relevance for the treatment of psychiatric disorders?

Brexpiprazole is a serotonin-dopamine activity modulator in clinical development for schizophrenia, adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder, agitation in Alzheimer's disease and post-traumatic stress disorder. It is a partial agonist at 5-HT1A and D2 receptors with similar potency, and an antagonist at 5-HT2A and adrenergic α1B/2C receptors. Compared with aripiprazole, brexpiprazole is more potent at 5-HT1A receptors and displays less intrinsic activity at D2 receptors. This unique serotonin and dopamine modulatory activity has shown robust antipsychotic, antidepressant-like and anxiolytic activities, and limited extrapyramidal symptom liability with pro-cognitive efficacy in animal models. Phase III clinical trials have been successfully completed in schizophrenia and adjunctive use in major depressive disorder, with the US FDA approval obtained for these uses; Phase III studies in Alzheimer's disease and post-traumatic stress disorder are ongoing.

A synopsis of drugs currently in preclinical and early clinical development for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

INTRODUCTION

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease among men and significantly impacts quality of life by causing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Current medical therapies are not always adequate in controlling LUTS or slowing disease progression, and there is unmet need for new effective therapeutic options.

AREAS COVERED

The authors review the standard current medical therapies for BPH which include the use of α-1 blockers, 5-α reductase inhibitors, combination therapy and PDE inhibitors. Following this, the authors then discuss new therapies that are currently undergoing preclinical and clinical investigation.

EXPERT OPINION

Existing preclinical and clinical trials have highlighted many promising therapies to treat BPH. Further investigation with larger clinical trials is needed to establish these drugs as standard therapies. As the number of drugs in the arsenal against BPH continues to grow, providers and patients will have to engage in a discussion that weighs the risks and benefits of each therapy.