Washington, April 27 : A new study has found that erectile dysfunction drug tadalafil may improve lower urinary tract symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH.

Researchers from Nashville, Dallas, San Antonia and Indianapolis randomly separated 200 men, with an age equal to or older than 40 years and at least a six-month diagnosis of BPH-LUTS with an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPPS) greater than or equal to 13, into two groups taking either 20 mg of tadalafil once daily or a placebo.

They found that after 12 weeks of treatment, the men taking tadalafil experienced improved detrusor pressure at urinary flow rate, peak flow rate (Qmax), bladder capacity, post-void residual volume and bladder voiding efficiency.

Relative symptom improvement in the IPSS also was significantly better in the tadalafil group.

At the end of the study, the proportion of obstructed patients in the placebo group increased, while the proportion in the tadalafil group decreased.

"Dr. Dmochowski, the study author, and colleagues have added further evidence to the growing body of research that suggests that in addition to their well known effect on erectile dysfunction, PDE-5 inhibitors may be able to help with management of bladder outlet symptoms as well. This is an exciting concept for men''s health," said Anthony Y. Smith, MD, an AUA spokesman.

The findings will be presented during the 104th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA). (ANI)