What is the use of Flomax (Tamsulosin)?

From the Guidelines

Flomax (tamsulosin) is a recommended medication for the treatment of symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate in men, with a standard dose of 0.4 mg taken once daily, about 30 minutes after the same meal each day, as supported by the most recent study 1. The medication works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate. Common side effects include:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Abnormal ejaculation
• Postural hypotension (drop in blood pressure when standing up) Patients should take their first dose at bedtime to minimize dizziness risks and avoid driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them. It's essential to continue taking Flomax even if symptoms improve, as stopping may cause symptoms to return. When starting Flomax, patients should be aware of the "first-dose phenomenon" where dizziness or fainting may occur with the initial dose. Flomax should not be used by women or children and may interact with certain medications like cimetidine, some antifungals, and other alpha-blockers, so patients should inform their doctor of all medications they're taking, as noted in the guidelines 1. The effectiveness of Flomax in improving symptoms of BPH has been demonstrated in various studies, including a meta-analysis that showed a significant improvement in symptoms compared to placebo 1. Additionally, the medication has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of urinary retention and improving quality of life in men with BPH, as reported in the study 1. Overall, Flomax is a safe and effective treatment option for men with symptoms of BPH, and its use is supported by the latest clinical guidelines and research evidence 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

1 INDICATIONS & USAGE Tamsulosin Hydrochloride Capsules is an alpha 1 adrenoceptor antagonist indicated for treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (1)

Tamsulosin Hydrochloride Capsules are not indicated for the treatment of hypertension (1)

The primary use of Flomax, also known as Tamsulosin Hydrochloride Capsules, is for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

• It is not indicated for the treatment of hypertension. 2

From the Research

Flomax (Tamsulosin) Overview

• Tamsulosin is a subtype-selective alpha 1 adrenoceptor antagonist used to treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) 3.
• It is available as a controlled release formulation suitable for once daily administration, with no dose titration required 3.

Efficacy of Tamsulosin

• Tamsulosin has been shown to improve symptoms and peak urine flow relative to placebo in men with BPH 4, 5.
• The weighted mean differences for mean change from baseline for the Boyarsky symptom score for 0.4 mg and 0.8 mg doses of tamsulosin relative to placebo were -1.1 points and -1.6 points, respectively 4, 5.
• Tamsulosin (0.2 mg-0.4 mg) was as effective as other alpha antagonists and the phytotherapeutic agent Permixon in improving symptoms and flow rates 4, 5.

Adverse Effects of Tamsulosin

• The most frequently reported adverse events that were significantly greater than placebo included dizziness, rhinitis, and abnormal ejaculation 4, 5.
• Adverse effects increased markedly as tamsulosin dosing increased, and were reported in 75% of men receiving the 0.8 mg dose 4, 5.
• Low dose tamsulosin was generally well tolerated, although not all trials reported specific adverse events 4, 5.

Interactions with Food and Other Medications

• The pharmacokinetics of extended-release forms of tamsulosin is well known to be food-sensitive 6.
• Tamsulosin may interact with grapefruit juice and citrus fruits, leading to intensified adverse effects 6.
• Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonists, including tamsulosin, may interact with alcohol, leading to orthostatic hypotension 6.

Combination Therapy with Dutasteride

• The combination of dutasteride and tamsulosin has been shown to improve lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) to a significantly greater extent than dutasteride or tamsulosin alone in men with BPH 7.
• The mean change from baseline in the total International Prostate Symptom Score was significantly greater with dutasteride plus tamsulosin than with dutasteride or tamsulosin alone after 2 years and 4 years of therapy 7.