From the Guidelines
Tamsulosin is indicated for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Key Points
- The medication, a selective alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker, is typically administered for an extended duration, often several months or years, to alleviate LUTS associated with BPH, such as hesitancy, weak stream, and frequent urination 1.
- The recommended dose of tamsulosin is 0.4 mg once daily, taken approximately 30 minutes after a meal 1.
- Tamsulosin is effective in treating LUTS, while 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors are effective in treating LUTS in men with probable benign prostate obstruction with gland enlargement 1.
- Combination therapy with tamsulosin and other medications, such as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors or anticholinergic agents, may be offered as a treatment option for patients with LUTS associated with BPH 1.
- It is essential to note that tamsulosin is not recommended for the treatment of hypertension in patients with BPH, and separate management of hypertension may be necessary 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)
The indication for Tamsulosin is the treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia 2.
- The drug is specifically used to address symptoms related to this condition.
- It is not indicated for the treatment of hypertension 2.
From the Research
Indication for Tamsulosin
The indication for Tamsulosin is for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) [ 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 ].
Key Points
- Tamsulosin is a subtype-selective alpha(1A)- and alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor antagonist [ 3, 4 ]
- It relaxes smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck, enhancing bladder emptying [ 5 ]
- Tamsulosin improves obstructive voiding symptoms, peak urinary flow rate, and reduces post-void residual urine volume [ 3, 4, 5 ]
- The usual dosage of tamsulosin is 0.4 or 0.8 mg orally once a day [ 3, 4, 5 ]
Efficacy and Safety
- Tamsulosin has been shown to be effective in improving symptoms and urinary flow rate in patients with symptomatic BPH [ 3, 4, 6, 7 ]
- The most common adverse effects are headache, asthenia, dizziness, and rhinitis-like complaints [ 5 ]
- Tamsulosin does not appear to significantly reduce blood pressure, increase heart rate, or cause first-dose syncope [ 3, 5 ]