Tranexamic & Tamsulosin

Question 1

what is tranexamic acid used for and what is the criteria for supply OTC

Answer 1

tranexamic acid is used for heavy periods and it can be given to women who have had several recurring heavy periods, over the age of 18, and no more than 3 days individual variability in cycle duration

the dose is 500mg x2 tds and can be increased to 4g daily if required

it needs to be taken when the heavy bleeding has already started or it won’t work

Question 2

tranexamic acid mechanism of action and how should it be taken

Answer 2

it is an antifibrinolytic. it stops fibrinolysis so that the blood clots more and therefore reduces bleeding by around 50%

Question 3

tranexamic acid side effects and what to do?

Answer 3

gastrointestinal side effects- reducing the dose helps this

visual disturbances: need to seek medical advice form doctor

Question 4

what is tamsulosin used to treat? what’s the dose? how to take it ?

Answer 4

tamsulosin is used for benign prostatic hyperplasia

dose is 400mg capsule to be taken with food same time each day

Question 5

tamsulosin interactions ? and how many weeks supply

Answer 5

shouldn’t be used with blood pressure lowering medication as it can cause hypotension

Question 6

tamsulosin mechanism of action

Answer 6

it is an alpha agonist that relaxes smooth muscle in the benign prostatic hyperplasia
- this improves uring output and and the obstructive symptoms

tamsulosin should only be given to men aged between 45 and 75

pharmacist can give a 2 weeks supply in patients with BPH, and if improved then you can give another 4 weeks OTC

Question 7

tamsulosin lifestyle

Answer 7

reduce alcohol snd caffeine

exercise more

avoid drinking liquids 1-2 hours before bed