Effectiveness of Loxoprofen Sodium on Nocturia in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Abstract

Purpose: The effectiveness of Loxoprofen sodium, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), on the nocturia in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), not responding to anticholinergics or hypnotics, as well as alpha-blockers and 5 alpha reductase inhibitors, were investigated. Materials and Methods: Between October 2004 and June 2005, 150 BPH patients with 2 or more episodes of nocturia, despite treatments with anticholinergics or hypnotics, were enrolled in this study. Loxoprofen, 60mg/day, was orally administered prior to sleeping for 2 weeks. The number of episodes of nocturia was assessed before and after treatment according to baseline number of episodes of nocturia, age distribution, prostate volume and previous nocturia treatment. Results: The number of nocturia episodes decreased by at least 1 in 74.7% (112/150) of patients, and decreased by 2 or more, 1 and were unchanged or increased were 48.0, 26.7 and 25.3% of patients, respectively. In baseline nocturia ≥6 group, the nocturia decreased by 1 or more in 85.0%. Treatment-emergent adverse events, including gastric discomfort (12 patients, 8.0%), weak urinary stream (5 patients, 3.3%) and leg edema (2 patients, 1.3%), occurred in 19 of the 150 (12.7%) patients. There were no withdrawals resulting from adverse events. Conclusions: Loxoprofen can be effectively combined as a treatment option for patients with BPH complaining of unresolved nocturia. However, studies on the mechanism of action, long term effectiveness and adverse events of Loxoprofen are necessary. (Korean J Urol 2007;48:195-198)