tamsulosin hydrochloride

tamsulosin hydrochloride

Bazetham (UK), Flomax, Flomaxtra (UK), Stronazon (UK), Tabphyn (UK)

Pharmacologic class: Alpha-adrenergic blocker

Therapeutic class: Anti-adrenergic

Pregnancy risk category B

Action

Decreases smooth muscle contractions of prostate by binding to alpha₁-adrenergic receptors. This action increases urine flow and reduces symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Availability

Capsules: 0.4 mg

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ BPH

Adults: 0.4 mg/day P.O. after a meal. After 2 to 4 weeks, may increase to 0.8 mg/day.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug or its components

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• patients receiving other alpha-adrenergic blockers concurrently
• patients at increased risk for prostate cancer.

Administration

• Give 30 minutes after same meal each day.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
P.O.	Unknown	4-5 hr	9-15 hr

Adverse reactions

CNS: dizziness, headache, asthenia, insomnia, drowsiness, syncope, vertigo

CV: orthostatic hypotension, chest pain

EENT: rhinitis, amblyopia, pharyngitis, sinusitis

GU: retrograde or diminished ejaculation, decreased libido

Musculoskeletal: back pain

Respiratory: increased cough

Other: tooth disorder, infection

Interactions

Drug-drug. Cimetidine: increased tamsulosin blood level, greater risk of toxicity

Doxazosin, prazosin, terazosin: increased risk of hypotension

Drug-behaviors. Alcohol use: increased risk of hypotension

Patient monitoring

• Monitor blood pressure. Stay alert for orthostatic hypotension.

Patient teaching

• Tell patient to take 30 minutes after same meal each day.
• Instruct patient not to chew or open capsule. Advise him to swallow it whole.
• Tell patient to move slowly when sitting up or standing, to avoid dizziness or light-headedness from sudden blood pressure decrease.
• Caution patient to avoid hazardous activities on first day of therapy.
• Inform patient that drug may cause abnormal ejaculation. Advise him to discuss this issue with prescriber.
• As appropriate, review all other significant adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs and behaviors mentioned above.