This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of Contiflo OD (Tamsulosin) on catheterized adults treated for Acute Urinary Retention (AUR) caused by benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). In this randomized double blind prospective study, patients that reported at the Accident and Emergency Department of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) with AUR and had successful urethral catheterization were recruited. Those that met the inclusion criteria were assigned to receive Tamsulosin (Contiflo OD) 0.4 mg once daily or no Tamsulosin while on admission for three days (72 h). On removal of catheter, patients were assessed for ability to void spontaneously without difficulty. Results revealed over a period of twenty-four months, hundred men with AUR were randomized to Tamsulosin with catheter (50) or catheter alone (50). Thirty-four men taking Tamsulosin with catheter and 7 on catheter alone were able to void without difficulty and did not require re-catheterization after discharge (68 and 14% respectively), P<0.05. Tamsulosin showed a synergetic efficiency of 54%. Patients on Tamsulosin with catheter stayed longer (8 h, 11 min) compared with those on catheter alone (3 h, 19 min) before requiring re-catheterization on failure of TWOC, P>0.05 (STD=5.79, 95% CI=1.4-1.9). Sixteen (16) men (32%) of those on Tamsulosin and 9(18%) of those on catheter alone had side effects such as weakness, orthostatic hypotension, decreased libido; a ratio of 2:1; P>0.05. Thirty (30) out of 34 men on Tamsulosin (88%) had successful TWOC and did not require re-catheterization over a period of three months. Thus, Contiflo OD can be said to be effective and safe in treating patient with acute urinary retention secondary to BPH and can reduce the chances of recurrence in this environment.

Key words: Acute urinary retention (AUR), benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), Contiflo OD.