Tamsulosin was approved for medical use in the United States in 1997.[6] It is available as ageneric medication.[11][9] In 2023, it was the 24th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 22million prescriptions.[12][13]
Tamsulosin is also used as an add-on treatment foracute urinary retention. Men may void more successfully after catheter removal if they are taking tamsulosin, and are less likely to need repeat catheterization.[15]
Tamsulosin does not decrease the overall size of the prostate in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia and is not recommended for the prevention ofprostate cancer.[16]
The results of the CombAT (combination ofdutasteride (Avodart) and tamsulosin (Duodart)) trial in 2008 demonstrated that treatment with the combination of dutasteride and tamsulosin provides greater symptom benefits compared to monotherapy with either agent alone for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.[17] The combination medicationdutasteride/tamsulosin (Jalyn) was approved by the USFood and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2010.[18]
Eyes: People taking tamsulosin are prone to acomplication known asfloppy iris syndrome duringcataract surgery.Adverse outcomes of the surgery are greatly reduced by the surgeon's prior knowledge of the person's history with this drug, and thus having the option of alternative techniques.[19]
Alpha-blockers, includingprazosin,terazosin,doxazosin, or tamsulosin, do not appear to affect all-cause mortality inheart failure rehospitalization in those also receiving β-blockers.[22]
Tamsulosin can also causeretrograde ejaculation, which occurs when semen is redirected to the urinary bladder instead of being ejaculated normally. This is because tamsulosin relaxes the muscles of theurethral sphincters, which are normally closed during ejaculation.[23]
When alpha 1 receptors in the bladder neck, prostate, ureter, and urethra are blocked, a relaxation in smooth muscle tissue results.[16] This mechanism decreases resistance to urinary flow, reduces discomfort associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, and facilitates passage ofkidney stones.[16]
Tamsulosin was first sold in 1997 under the brand name Flomax. The US patent expired in October 2009.[25] The USFood and Drug Administration (FDA) approved generic versions in March 2010.[11]
It is sold by various companies, includingBoehringer Ingelheim andCSL.[citation needed] Tamsulosin hydrochloride extended-release capsules are sold under the brand names Urimax 0.4 (India),Tamlocept 0.4 (India), Flomax, Flomaxtra, Contiflo XL, bestflo, Mecir LP (France), Urimax, Pamsvax, and Pradif, although generic, unmodified-release capsules are still approved and sold in many countries (such as Canada). Generic extended-release tablets are sold in most countries of theEuropean Economic Area (EEA). In Mexico, it is sold as Secotex, as Harnal D in Japan and Indonesia, and as Harnal OCAS (oral controlled absorption system) in Thailand.[26] In Egypt,[27] Italy, Russia and Iceland, it is sold under the brand name Omnic by Astellas Pharma Europe. Tamsulosin hydrochloride is sold in Bangladesh under the brand names Uromax, Prostanil MR, Tamisol MR, and Tamsin.[citation needed] It is available to patients in the UK onNational Health Service prescription (prescribed without brand name, atnominal or no cost to patients),[3] and in 2010 became available forover-the-counter purchase without prescription.[4]
^Lucas MG, Stephenson TP, Nargund V (February 2005). "Tamsulosin in the management of patients in acute urinary retention from benign prostatic hyperplasia".BJU International.95 (3):354–357.doi:10.1111/j.1464-410X.2005.05299.x.PMID15679793.S2CID30254915.
^abcLewis SM, Dirksen SR, Heitkemper MM, Bucher LH (2013).Medical-surgical nursing: assessment and management of clinical problems (9th ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Mosby.ISBN978-0-323-10089-2.OCLC228373703.
^Roehrborn CG, Siami P, Barkin J, Damião R, Major-Walker K, Morrill B, et al. (February 2008). "The effects of dutasteride, tamsulosin and combination therapy on lower urinary tract symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatic enlargement: 2-year results from the CombAT study".The Journal of Urology.179 (2):616–621, discussion 621.doi:10.1016/j.juro.2007.09.084.PMID18082216.
