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Evidence is mixed on whether α-blockers, such as tamsulosin, doxazosin, and terazosin, promote passage of ureteral stones (kidney stones that have migrated into the ureters). In this meta-analysis of 55 randomized controlled trials, researchers determined the efficacy and safety of α-blockers in treating patients with ureteral stones.
Participants were 6000 people (mean age, 40) with ureteral stones (mean size, 5.7 mm). Intervention groups received α-blockers (usually tamsulosin) and control groups received no treatment to promote stone passage (14 trials were placebo-controlled). Participants who received α-blockers were significantly more likely to pass stones (follow-up, 1–6 weeks): Rates of stone passage were roughly 75% with α-blockers …