Generic
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride
43 brands available in the market
At a glance
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is an alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist used for the treatment of functional symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). It relaxes muscles in the prostate and bladder neck to improve urine flow.
Description
Tamsulosin is a selective alpha-1 adrenoceptor blocker that exhibits selectivity for alpha-1A adrenoceptors in the human prostate. Blockade of these receptors relaxes smooth muscle in the bladder neck and prostate, improving urine flow rate and reducing BPH symptoms.
Indications
- Functional symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Therapeutic class
BPH/Urinary Retention/Urinary Incontinence
Pharmacological class
Alpha-1 Adrenergic Blocker
Pharmacology
Tamsulosin blocks alpha-1 adrenoceptors in the prostate, prostatic capsule, prostatic urethra, and bladder neck, relaxing smooth muscle. It is selective for alpha-1A receptors in the prostate, minimizing effects on blood pressure. This improves urine flow and reduces BPH symptoms.
Mechanism of action
Relaxes prostate and bladder neck muscles to improve urine flow.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Start: 0.4 mg (1 capsule) once daily (after the evening meal)
- If needed, increase to 0.8 mg (2 capsules) once daily after 2-4 weeks
- After interruption, restart at 0.4 mg/day
Administration
- Take after the evening meal
- Swallow capsule whole; do not chew or crush
- Take with a glass of water (approximately 150 ml) while standing or sitting
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; if almost time for the next dose, skip it; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Dizziness
- Abnormal ejaculation (retrograde ejaculation)
- Nasal congestion
- Headache, asthenia
- Postural hypotension, palpitations
Precautions & warnings
- Do not use in history of orthostatic hypotension
- Do not use in severe hepatic insufficiency
- IFIS (Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome) – inform ophthalmologist before cataract surgery
- May affect driving ability (dizziness)
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to tamsulosin
- History of orthostatic hypotension
- Severe hepatic insufficiency
- Lactation
Drug interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole): Increased plasma concentrations
- CYP2D6 inhibitors (paroxetine): Increased exposure
- Cimetidine: Increased plasma concentrations
- Other alpha-1 blockers: Additive hypotensive effects
- PDE5 inhibitors: Symptomatic hypotension
- Furosemide: Decreased plasma levels
Food interactions
Alcohol is unsafe with Tamsulosin Hydrochloride (excessive drowsiness and dizziness).
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Generally safe; animal studies show low or no adverse effects; limited human data; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably unsafe; limited data suggests drug may pass into breast milk and harm the baby; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy not established in children
Geriatric use
Indicated for elderly
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Safe in kidney disease (CrCl ≥10 mL/min); no dose adjustment needed; limited data in ESRD; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Mild-moderate: no dose adjustment; severe: do not use; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
No acute overdose data; overdose may cause acute hypotension; lie patient down; use volume expanders and vasopressors if needed; dialysis is not effective (protein-bound).
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C in a cool and dry place, protected from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride