OTC - tamsulosin

Question 1

What is tamsulosin used for ?

Answer 1

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Question 2

BPH symtpoms?

Answer 2

• chronic urinary retention
• difficulty initiating urination
• a weak urine stream
• difficulty fully emptying the bladder
• a frequent need to urinate

Question 3

Referral criteria?

Answer 3

Symptoms:

• present for less than 3 months
• dysuria, haematuria or cloudy urine in past 3 months
• fever (undiagnosed UTI?)

Interacting meds:
- concomitant alpha blockers (enhanced hypotension)

Medical conditions:

• postural hypo
• heart, kidney or liver probs
• uncontrolled diabetes
• urinary incontinence
• previous prostate surgery
• undiagnosed blurred/cloudy vision
• scheduled surgery for glaucoma or cataract

Question 4

OTC product for BPH?

Answer 4

Tamsulosin (POM to P)
- men 45-75yrs

Supply criteria:

1. symptoms >3months
2. initially give a 2 week supply
3. give further 4 week supply if there is improvement after 14 days starting

How to take:
- one 400mcg capsule swallowed whole after the same meal each day

Side effects:
- drowsiness, dizziness - sit or lie down

Question 5

Advice?

Answer 5

• after 6 weeks: see doctor to confirm it is appropriate to continue
• every 12 months: see the doctor for a review to enable further OTC supply (after the initial first 6 weeks)
• does not increase the risk of prostate cancer