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Tamsulosin (Flomax)
๐ Used for prostatic outflow obstruction symptoms in men (e.g. benign prostatic hyperplasia).
๐ About
Always check the BNF link here.
- ๐ฏ Selective action at ฮฑ1A-adrenergic receptors in the prostate and bladder neck.
- ๐ฝ Improves urinary flow and relieves lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
โ๏ธ Action
- ฮฑ1A receptor blockade โ relaxes smooth muscle at bladder neck & prostate โ โ outflow resistance.
- ฮฑ1B receptor blockade โ systemic vasodilation (less selective, but explains hypotension side effects).
๐ Indications / Dose
- โ First-line for moderate to severe LUTS/BPH โ symptom improvement in ~70% of men.
- ๐ด Benign prostatic hyperplasia: Tamsulosin 400 mcg PO OD (usually after food).
๐ Interactions
- โฌ๏ธ CYP450 inhibitors (e.g. erythromycin, ketoconazole) increase plasma levels of tamsulosin โ risk of hypotension.
- โ ๏ธ Additive hypotension with other ฮฑ-blockers or antihypertensives.
โ ๏ธ Cautions
- ๐ซ Risk of falls and syncope due to orthostatic hypotension (especially on initiation).
- ๐๏ธ Floppy iris syndrome โ inform ophthalmologist before cataract surgery.
- โ ๏ธ Use with caution in elderly and those on antihypertensives.
โ Contraindications
- ๐ซ History of postural hypotension.
- ๐ซ Recurrent falls related to hypotension.
๐ฅ Side Effects
- ๐ซ Dizziness, orthostatic hypotension.
- ๐คง Hypersensitivity reactions (rare).
- โ ๏ธ Retrograde ejaculation.
- ๐ง Headache, asthenia, rhinitis (less common).
๐ References
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