Tamsulosin HCl

BPH & Drugs for Urinary Retention · Selective alpha-1 blocker

Indications

Treatment & control of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate to improve symptoms.

Dosage

Cap: Adults: 0.4 mg daily as a single dose. Dose may be increased after 2-4 wks to 0.8 mg once daily in patients who fail to respond. Children: Not recommended.

Adverse Effects

Drowsiness, dizziness, ejaculation disorders, hypotension (notably postural hypotension), syncope, asthaenia, depression, headache, dry mouth, gastro-intestinal disturbances (including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation), oedema, blurred vision, rhinitis, erectile disorders (including priapism), tachycardia and palpitations. Hypersensitivity reactions rash, pruritus and angioedema have also been reported. Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: No evidence of risk in humans. Contraindications: Alpha-blockers should be avoided in patients with a history of postural hypotension and micturition syncope. Severe hepatic impairment. Patients awaiting cataract or glaucoma surgery. Precautions: Since selective alpha-blockers reduce blood pressure, patients receiving antihypertensive treatment may require reduced dosage and specialist supervision. Caution may be required in the elderly and in patients with hepatic impairment and renal impairment.

Interactions

Other alpha-blockers, antihypertensives, calcium antagonists, anaesthetics, PDE5 inhibitors, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole).

Advice to Patient

Take with or without meals, as advised by prescriber. Preferably taken 30 minutes after same meal each day. Do not chew or crush tablets or capsules, swallow whole. If you miss a dose for several days, inform prescriber and do not restart with the previous dose. Contact prescriber if there are palpitations, rapid heartbeat, muscle weakness, fatigue or pain, difficulty in breathing, changes in vision or hearing, rash, urinary pattern changes. Avoid alcohol during therapy. Change position slowly when climbing stairs and from lying or sitting to standing position. Empty your bladder before taking medication to prevent urinary incontinence.

Pharmacokinetics

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%).

Unlicensed Use

Children: Dysfunctional voiding: 12-18 yr, 400 mcg once daily.

Brands with this active ingredient

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

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.