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 starting dose of Flomax (tamsulosin) is 0.4 mg once daily 1.
- It should be administered approximately one-half hour following the same meal each day.
- If Tamsulosin Hydrochloride Capsules administration is discontinued or interrupted for several days, therapy should be started again with the 0.4 mg once-daily dose.
From the Research
The starting dose of Flomax (tamsulosin) is typically 0.4 mg taken once daily, approximately 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Patients should swallow the capsule whole and not crush, chew, or open it. This medication is usually taken in the evening to minimize the potential for dizziness or fainting upon standing. If the 0.4 mg dose does not provide adequate symptom relief after 2-4 weeks, the dose may be increased to 0.8 mg once daily. Flomax works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate. This helps relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) such as weak stream, difficulty starting urination, feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, and frequent urination. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, and retrograde ejaculation. Patients should be cautious when standing up quickly to avoid dizziness, especially when first starting the medication or after increasing the dose.
Key Points
- The recommended starting dose of Flomax is 0.4 mg once daily 2, 3, 4, 5
- The dose can be increased to 0.8 mg once daily if symptoms are not adequately relieved after 2-4 weeks 2, 3
- Flomax is usually taken in the evening to minimize the potential for dizziness or fainting upon standing
- Common side effects include dizziness, headache, and retrograde ejaculation 2, 3, 4, 5
Evidence
The evidence from multiple studies supports the use of 0.4 mg as the starting dose of Flomax, with the option to increase to 0.8 mg if necessary 2, 3, 4, 5. The most recent and highest quality study, which is not explicitly provided in the given references but implied through the context of the question, would likely support this recommendation. However, based on the provided references, the study by 4 provides the most recent and relevant information on the use of alpha-blockers, including tamsulosin, for the treatment of BPH. This study highlights the importance of selecting the appropriate alpha-blocker and dose for each patient, taking into account factors such as efficacy, safety, and tolerability.