What is the use of Tamsulosin (Flomax)?

From the Guidelines

Tamsulosin is a medication primarily used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men, with a standard dosage of 0.4 mg taken once daily, approximately 30 minutes after the same meal each day, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. The medication works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate. This alpha-1 blocker specifically targets the alpha-1A receptors in the prostate, helping to relieve urinary symptoms like weak stream, difficulty starting urination, frequent urination, and the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Some key points to consider when prescribing tamsulosin include:

• The dose may be increased to 0.8 mg daily for patients who don't respond adequately to the standard dosage, as suggested by earlier guidelines 1.
• Common side effects include dizziness, headache, retrograde ejaculation, and orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when standing up), which are similar to those reported in earlier studies 1.
• Patients should take precautions when starting treatment, particularly avoiding situations requiring alertness until they know how the medication affects them.
• Tamsulosin should be continued long-term for sustained symptom relief, and stopping the medication typically results in symptom return within a few days to weeks.
• It's essential to inform healthcare providers about all other medications being taken, as tamsulosin can interact with other drugs, particularly other blood pressure medications, as noted in the most recent guidelines 1. The most recent study 1 provides the strongest evidence for the use of tamsulosin in treating BPH symptoms, and its findings should be prioritized in clinical decision-making.

From the FDA Drug Label

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) Tamsulosin Hydrochloride Capsules is a prescription alpha-blocker medicine used to treat the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition your doctor may refer to as an enlarged prostate.

The use of Tamsulosin (Flomax) is for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate.

• It is an alpha 1 adrenoceptor antagonist.
• It is not indicated for the treatment of hypertension. 2 2

From the Research

Use of Tamsulosin (Flomax)

• Tamsulosin is a subtype-selective alpha(1A)- and alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor antagonist used to treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) 3, 4, 5, 6.
• The drug works by relaxing smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck, enhancing bladder emptying and improving obstructive voiding symptoms 3, 5.
• Tamsulosin is effective in patients with mild to severe LUTS associated with BPH, including those with diabetes mellitus and the elderly 3, 5.
• The usual dosage of tamsulosin is 0.4 mg once daily, with no need for dose titration at the start of treatment 3, 4, 5.

Efficacy of Tamsulosin

• Tamsulosin has been shown to improve maximum urine flow rate, reduce post-void residual urine volume, and alleviate LUTS in patients with BPH 3, 4, 5, 6.
• The drug has a rapid onset of action and is effective in patients with moderate or severe symptoms 3, 5.
• Tamsulosin has been compared to other alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonists, such as alfuzosin, and has been shown to have similar efficacy with less tendency to cause hypotensive effects 3, 4.

Safety and Tolerability of Tamsulosin

• The most common adverse events associated with tamsulosin are dizziness, abnormal ejaculation, asthenia, postural hypotension, and palpitations 3, 4, 5, 6.
• Tamsulosin does not significantly affect blood pressure or heart rate in patients with symptomatic BPH 3, 4, 5.
• The drug can be used in combination with other medications, such as antihypertensive agents, without requiring dosage modification 3, 5.

Combination Therapy with Tamsulosin

• Tamsulosin is available as a fixed-dose combination with dutasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor, for use in men with symptomatic BPH and an enlarged prostate 7.
• The combination of dutasteride and tamsulosin has been shown to improve LUTS to a greater extent than either drug alone, and is generally well tolerated in patients with symptomatic BPH 7.