Tamsulosin Hydrochloride (BPH Agent)

Question 1

What is the brand name of Tamsulosin HCl?

Answer 1

Flomax

Question 2

What are the available doses of Flomax?

Answer 2

0.4mg capsules

Question 3

What is the FDA approved indication of Tamsulosin HCl?

Answer 3

Treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. (BPH).

Question 4

What is the FDA approved dosing for Flomax?

Answer 4

Starting dose is usually 1 0.4mg cap daily, given 30 minutes after the same meal every day. For patients who do not respond to 0.4mg daily after 2-4 weeks, increase dose to 0.8mg or two capsules daily given 30 minutes following the same meal each day.

Question 5

What are the adverse effects of Flomax?

Answer 5

Headache, dizziness, rhinitis, infection, asthenia, abnormal ejaculation, back pain, pharyngitis, diarrhea, chest pain, cough, somnolence, insomnia, nausea, sinusitis, PRIAPISM. Adverse effects are slightly higher in the 0.8mg dosage.

Question 6

What are the drug interactions of tamsulosin?

Answer 6

additive effects may be seen when used with other alpha-adrenergic blocking agents. Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4

Question 7

What should the RPh tell the patient about Flomax?

Answer 7

• Take dose 30 minutes following the same meal each day.

- May cause dizziness, especially when rising from the sitting position. Use caution when performing any hazardous task.

Question 8

What should a patient do if they miss a dose?

Answer 8

skip that dose and then return to normal schedule

Question 9

What are the contraindications/precautions of Tamsulosin HCl?

Answer 9

• Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to tamsulosin.
• Patients should be tested initially to rule out prostate carcinoma and confirm the diagnosis of BPH.
• Orthostatic hypotension may occur during therapy, so patients should be warned about possible syncope and dizziness.
• Tamsulosin should not be used with other alpha adrenal blocking agents or in combination with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4.
• Rare cases of priapism can occur during treatment.
• Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome has been observed during cataract and glaucoma surgery. Pt’s should tell their opthamoligist if they take tamsulosin.

Question 10

What pregnancy class is Flomax?

Answer 10

Pregnancy Category B