Main Research Findings

Silodosin is a selective α1A-adrenoceptor antagonist used to treat lower urinary tract symptoms such as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Previous research has shown silodosin to be effective in reducing urethral pressure, improving bladder function, promoting the passage of ureteral stones, improving urination function, and impacting sexual function. 12 found that silodosin affected bladder blood flow and bladder function in a rat model of chronic bladder ischemia induced by atherosclerosis. 17 demonstrated that silodosin affected intraureteral pressure in anesthetized dogs, suggesting higher uroselectivity compared to naftopidil. 9 investigated the impact of silodosin on the parameters and patterns of ureteric jets in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. Additionally, 10 examined the effect of silodosin on ECGs in healthy men and concluded that it did not significantly prolong the QT interval. 8 found that silodosin decreased blood pressure in conscious dogs, while having no effects on heart rate or electrocardiogram. Furthermore, suggests that silodosin is effective in treating lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. 26 showed that silodosin protected bladder function in cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis rat models. 14 indicated that silodosin has a higher selectivity for the lower urinary tract compared to other α1-blockers. 5 suggests that silodosin could be therapeutic for underactive bladder associated with diabetic cystopathy. 28 suggested that the sexual side effects of silodosin could be a nocebo effect. 22 found that silodosin impacted bladder mechanosensitive afferent activities and bladder myogenic contractions in a male rat model of bladder outlet obstruction. 24 found that silodosin showed early benefits in improving lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. 1 showed that silodosin influenced ureteral pressure in a rat model of ureteral obstruction. indicated that silodosin demonstrated urodynamic effects in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. 13 showed that both silodosin and tamsulosin demonstrated similar effectiveness in treating lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia in a randomized crossover trial. suggests that silodosin could affect erectile function in a rat model of partial bladder outlet obstruction. 16 demonstrated that silodosin was effective in treating lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia based on a frequency/volume chart. 11 showed that silodosin and tadalafil have synergistic inhibitory effects on nerve-mediated contractions of human and rat isolated prostates. 21 showed that silodosin and distigmine, individually or in combination, could improve voiding dysfunction in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, a type 2 diabetes model. 2 showed that silodosin affected ejaculatory function in rats in both short and long term. 20 investigated the mechanism of intraoperative floppy-iris syndrome (IFIS) by examining the binding affinity of tamsulosin and silodosin to α-receptors and melanin pigment. 25 suggests that silodosin could affect erectile function in a rat model of partial bladder outlet obstruction. 18 found that silodosin and tamsulosin had different effects on the urethra and cardiovascular system in young and old dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia. 7 examined the effects of silodosin on bladder activity in female rats with frequent urination induced by pelvic venous congestion. 4 investigated the effects of silodosin and tamsulosin on the contractile responses of the seminal vesicle. 23 compared the effects of tadalafil and silodosin on lower urinary tract symptoms and voiding functions in men with non-neurogenic detrusor underactivity. 27 investigated the Core Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Score as an outcome assessment tool for treating lower urinary tract symptoms using silodosin. 6 compared the effects of tamsulosin and silodosin on subfoveal choroidal thickness and pupil diameter size in patients with prostatic hyperplasia. 3 investigated the effects of silodosin and tadalafil on bladder dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive rats. is an editorial comment on a study comparing the short-term effects of silodosin and tamsulosin hydrochloride for lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. 19 assessed the effects of a 3-month course of silodosin on sexual functioning in a cohort of 100 sexually active men. is an editorial comment on a study examining the effects of silodosin on bladder activity in rats with frequent urination induced by pelvic venous congestion.

Benefits and Risks

Benefit Summary

Silodosin has shown potential benefits in improving lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, bladder blood flow, bladder function, the passage of ureteral stones, ureteric jet parameters, urination function, and erectile function. 12 , 17 , 9 , 10 , 25 , 27 , 16 , 21 , 24 , , 13

Risk Summary

Silodosin can lower blood pressure and may affect sexual function. Specifically, side effects such as delayed or absent ejaculation and decreased orgasm have been reported. 8 , 19 , 2

Comparison Across Studies

Commonalities Across Studies

Many studies have shown that silodosin improves lower urinary tract symptoms by inhibiting the α1A-adrenoceptor. Silodosin has also been suggested to have higher selectivity for the lower urinary tract compared to other α1-blockers. 14 , 1

Differences Across Studies

The effects of silodosin can vary between studies. For example, some studies show that silodosin improves bladder function, while others show no significant impact on bladder function. 12 , 22 Furthermore, the potential for silodosin to affect sexual function varies between studies. 19 , 2 , 25

Consistency and Contradictions in Results

Silodosin shows potential for improving lower urinary tract symptoms, but its effectiveness may vary between individuals. It's important to note that silodosin can lower blood pressure and affect sexual function. 8 , 19 , 2

Considerations for Real-World Application

While silodosin is a potentially effective treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, it's important to be aware of the potential risks. Specifically, the impact on sexual function can vary widely between individuals, so consulting with a doctor before taking silodosin is essential. 19 , 2 Additionally, as silodosin can lower blood pressure, individuals with high blood pressure should be cautious. 8

Limitations of Current Research

There is still a need for more research on the effects of silodosin. Specifically, further research is necessary to understand the long-term impacts of silodosin, the proportion of patients experiencing side effects, and so on. 2

Future Research Directions

Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of silodosin, the proportion of patients who experience side effects, and the safety and effectiveness of silodosin in combination with other medications. Furthermore, using various research designs to investigate the effects of silodosin more thoroughly is crucial. 2

Conclusion

Silodosin is a potentially effective treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, but it's important to consider the associated risks. When considering silodosin, consulting with a doctor to choose the best treatment approach for your individual condition is essential.