From the Guidelines
Flomax (tamsulosin) is not indicated for treating pour problems, as "pour" is not a medical condition. The medication is primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men by relaxing muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, improving urinary flow 1. The standard dose for BPH is 0.4 mg taken once daily, approximately 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Some patients may require dose adjustment to 0.8 mg daily if needed for symptom control, as noted in the AUA guideline on management of benign prostatic hyperplasia 1. Key considerations for Flomax use include:
- Swallowing the medication whole with water and not crushing or chewing it
- Potential common side effects such as dizziness, headache, and retrograde ejaculation
- Risk of orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when standing), especially when first starting the medication, making it advisable to take it at bedtime initially 1. If you're experiencing urinary problems, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations specific to your condition.
From the FDA Drug Label
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride Capsules 0.4 mg once daily is recommended as the dose for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH. The dose of tamsulosin (Flomax) for BPH is 0.4 mg once daily. If there is no response after 2 to 4 weeks, the dose can be increased to 0.8 mg once daily 2.
From the Research
Dose of Flomax for BPH
- The typical dose of tamsulosin (Flomax) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is 0.4 mg once daily 3, 4, 5.
- Studies have shown that tamsulosin improves symptoms and peak urine flow relative to placebo, with a weighted mean difference of -1.1 points for the 0.4 mg dose and -1.6 points for the 0.8 mg dose 3.
- The 0.4 mg dose of tamsulosin has been shown to be as effective as other alpha antagonists and the phytotherapeutic agent Permixon in improving symptoms and flow rates 3.
- Higher doses of tamsulosin (0.8 mg) have been associated with increased adverse effects, including dizziness, rhinitis, and abnormal ejaculation 3.
- A study comparing the efficacy and tolerability of alfuzosin, tamsulosin, and silodosin in patients with BPH found that all three medications showed similar efficacy in improving LUTS, with good tolerability and minimal hemodynamic adverse effects 4.
Pediatric Use
- A study examining the effects of tamsulosin on systemic blood pressure and nonneurogenic dysfunctional voiding in children found that tamsulosin demonstrated no clinically significant effect on blood pressure, while proving to be a safe and effective treatment option for lower urinary tract symptoms in a select pediatric population 6.
Double Dose Alpha-Blocker Treatment
- A study comparing the efficacy and safety of single (tamsulosin) and double dose (tamsulosin + alfuzosin) alpha-blocker therapy for treating catheterized patients with acute urinary retention (AUR) due to BPH found that double dose alpha-blocker treatment was superior to single dose treatment in reducing the need for re-catheterization 7.