In this study that included 1,056 men in 10 countries, the men were randomly divided into five groups that received either a placebo or tadalafil doses of 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 or 20.0 milligrams a day. All doses of the medicine were superior to a placebo for relieving lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), with statistically significant effects at four, eight and 12 weeks.

The study, which included researchers from drug maker Lilly, is published in the October issue of The Journal of Urology.

"Since reports of erectile dysfunction (ED) incidence, pathophysiology and treatment acquire shown a feasible link between [enlarged prostate] and ED. PDE5 inhibitors like tadalafil (Cialis) have received increased watch for treating BPH LUTS, although they are currently only approved for ED. The half-life of tadalafil is 17.5 hours, making it suitable considered in the state of once daily therapy. Although the precise mechanism of action by which PDE5 inhibitors may alleviate LUTS is not completely understood, several putative mechanisms are currently under investigation." researcher Dr. Claus G. Roehrborn, professor of urology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, said in a journal news release.

More information

The U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has more about enlarged prostate.