Dutasteride and Tamsulosin

BPH & Drugs for Urinary Retention · 5 Alpha-reductase inhibitor/Selective alpha-1 blocker

Indications

BPH.

Dosage

Adults: 1 cap daily. Children: Not recommended.

Adverse Effects

Drowsiness, hypotension, syncope, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, erectile disorders, ejaculation disorder, impotence, decreased libido, breast disorders, intraoperative floppy iris syndrome.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Contraindications: Severe hepatic impairment, history of postural hypotension (orthostatic). Soya or peanut allergy. Precautions: Cataract surgery. Mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Severe renal impairment (CrCl<10mL/min). Risk of male breast cancer; advise patients to report breast tissue changes. CYP2D6 poor metabolisers. Evaluate for prostate cancer before and during treatment; double Prostate-specific antigen values to compare with normal ranges in untreated men as it reduces prostate-specific antigen by 50%. Establish new baseline PSA after 6 months then monitor regularly.

Interactions

CYP3A4, CYP2D6 or P-gp inhibitors (e.g., verapamil, ritonavir, nefazodone, ketoconazole, paroxetine). Anaesthetics, PDE5 inhibitors, alpha blockers, cimetidine, warfarin, diclofenac.

Advice to Patient

Take 30 minutes after meals. Do not break, crush, chew or open capsules. Swallow whole. Contact prescriber if there is any allergic reaction (rash, hives, itching, difficulty in breathing, swelling on face/lip/tongue/throat), blurred vision, breast enlargement/pain, depression, chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, fever, chills, constant sore throat, red/swollen/peeling skin, severe dizziness, light-headedness. Complete full course of treatment even if you feel better before completion of course. Avoid alcohol during treatment. Blood should not be donated for atleast 6 months after taking last dose.

Pharmacokinetics

DUTASTERIDE: Absorption: Absorbed rapidly from the GI tract. Metabolism: Hepatic. Bioavailability: 60%. Half-life elimination: 3-5 wks. Time to peak, serum: 1-3 hrs. Excretion: Faeces (mainly). TAMSULOSIN: Note: Pharmacokinetics in paediatric patients (ages 2-16 yrs) were found to be similar to adult values. Absorption: >90%. Metabolism: Hepatic (extensive). Bioavailability: Fasting: 30% increase. Steady-state: By the 5th day of once-daily dosing. Half-life elimination: Healthy volunteers: 9-13 hrs. Target population: 14-15 hrs. Time to peak: Fasting: 4-5 hrs. With food: 6-7 hrs. Excretion: Urine (76%). Faeces (21%).

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.