Tamsulosin

From Food & Medicine Encyclopedia

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Information about Tamsulosin[edit]

Tamsulosin is a selective alpha-1a adrenergic antagonist used in the therapy of benign prostatic hypertrophy.


Liver safety of Tamsulosin[edit]

Tamsulosin therapy is associated with a low rate of serum aminotransferase elevations, but clinically apparent acute liver injury due to tamsulosin is very rare.


Mechanism of action of Tamsulosin[edit]

Tamsulosin is a selective alpha-1a adrenergic antagonist which is used to treat signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy. Tamsulosin inhibits alpha adrenergic receptors present on smooth muscle in the bladder neck and prostate (alpha-1a adrenergic receptors). It has minimal effects on alpha-1b adrenergic receptors present in arterioles which are responsible for the antihypertensive effects of the nonspecific alpha-1 adrenergic blockers. The effects of the agent on smooth muscle of the bladder neck and prostate cause improvement in urine flow in men with partial obstruction due to benign prostatic hypertrophy.

FDA approval information for Tamsulosin[edit]

Tamsulosin was approved for use in the United States in 2007 for treatment of symptoms of urinary hesitancy due to benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Dosage and administration for Tamsulosin[edit]

Tamsulosin is available in capsules of 0.4 and 0.8 mg in several generic forms and under the trade name Flomax. The recommended dose is 0.4 to 0.8 mg once daily.

Side effects of Tamsulosin[edit]

Side effects include retrograde ejaculation, orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, diarrhea, thirst, nasal stuffiness and headache. Rare, but potentially severe adverse reactions include othrostatic hypotension, priapism and intraoperative floppy lens syndrome. Alpha-blockers used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH):

5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors

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