The efficacy and safety of silodosin-a review of literature

Abstract

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a compilation of irritative voiding and obstructive symptoms which are consistent with reduced emptying of urine from and defective storage of urine in the bladder. Medications are a common method of treatment to delay complications and reduce symptoms. Silodosin is a highly selective alpha-1A adrenoceptor blocker that has 162 times more affinity for alpha-1a than alpha 1b, thus resulting in high uroselectivity and decreased side effects. Aim: In this review article our aim was to elucidate the clinical effects, safety and tolerability profile of silodosin in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Method: Literatures were retrieved by a PubMed search, using different combinations of pertinent keywords (e.g., silodosin, hypotension, benign prostatic hyperplasia), without any limitations in terms of publication date and language. Papers which assessed the therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of silodosin were selected for inclusion according to their relevance for the topic, as judged by the authors. Overv?ew of clinical data: Silodosin is indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It has a rapid onset of effect in men with lower urinary tract symptoms and improvements were seen in voiding and storage symptoms, maximum urinary flow rate and health-related quality of life. The efficacy of silodosin was maintained in several controlled studies and also non-interventional real-world setting. Silodosin was generally well tolerated. Conclusion: Silodosin is the most uroselective α-blocker. Silodosin has been emphasized in the 2021 European Association of Urology Conservative treatment of non-neurogenic male LUTS guidelines and it has been reported that the hypotensive effect of silodosin is comparable with placebo and has favorable safety and tolerability profile. Dosing of silodosin does not need to be adjusted according to age, concurrent medication with antihypertensives and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors.