Description

Flomax (tamsulosin hydrochloride) 0.4 mg capsules are indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The recommended dosage is one 0.4 mg capsule taken orally once daily, approximately 30 minutes after the same meal each day                                                                                                                                                                                        Some key points about Flomax 0.4 mg capsules:

• They help relieve symptoms like frequent urination, urgent need to urinate, and a weak urine stream, but do not decrease the size of the prostate.
• The capsules should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed or opened.
• Flomax may cause dizziness, so caution is advised when driving or operating machinery until the effect is known.
• Patients should inform their ophthalmologist about Flomax use if cataract or glaucoma surgery is planned, due to the risk of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome.
• Common side effects include chest pain, dizziness, headache, back pain, and ejaculation disorders.
• Flomax is not indicated for use in women. Limited information is available on use in patients with liver disease.                                                                                                                   
  

  Selective Alpha-1A Receptor Antagonist

  • Flomax is a selective alpha-1A adrenoceptor antagonist, which means it primarily targets the alpha-1A receptors found in the prostate and bladder neck.
  • This selective mechanism of action helps relax the smooth muscle in these areas, improving urine flow and reducing BPH symptoms, without the same degree of cardiovascular effects seen with non-selective alpha blockers.

  Modified-Release Formulation

  • Flomax utilizes a modified-release capsule formulation to provide a controlled, steady release of the active ingredient tamsulosin.
  • This allows for once-daily dosing, which can improve patient adherence compared to immediate-release formulations that require multiple daily doses.

  Absorption Considerations

  • Flomax capsules should be taken approximately 30 minutes after the same meal each day.
  • Food enhances the bioavailability of tamsulosin, so consistent timing of administration with meals is important.
  • Flomax should not be crushed, chewed or opened, as this can affect the modified-release properties.

  Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome

  • Flomax use has been associated with a higher risk of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) during cataract or glaucoma surgery.
  • Patients should inform their ophthalmologist about Flomax use prior to any planned eye surgery.

  Key Benefits of Flomax (tamsulosin) 0.4 mg Capsules

  The key benefits of Flomax 0.4 mg capsules for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) include:

  • Relaxing the smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck, which helps improve urine flow and reduce BPH symptoms like frequent urination, urgent need to urinate, and a weak urine stream.
  • Providing quick relief from bothersome BPH symptoms for many patients.
  • Allowing for once-daily dosing 30 minutes after the same meal each day, which can improve patient adherence compared to multiple daily doses.
  • Selectively targeting alpha-1A adrenoceptors in the prostate and bladder, which helps minimize cardiovascular side effects compared to non-selective alpha blockers.

  Key Ingredients

  The key ingredient in Flomax 0.4 mg capsules is tamsulosin hydrochloride. Tamsulosin is a selective alpha-1A adrenoceptor antagonist that relaxes smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck.Some other key points about the ingredients:

  • Tamsulosin is metabolized in the liver to inactive glucuronide and sulfate conjugates.
  • The capsules utilize a modified-release formulation to provide controlled, steady release of tamsulosin.
  • Flomax capsules should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed or opened, as this can affect the modified-release properties.                                                                     
    

    Mechanism of Action of Flomax (tamsulosin)

    The key mechanism of action of Flomax (tamsulosin hydrochloride) is as a selective alpha-1A adrenoceptor antagonist.Specifically:

    • Tamsulosin, the active ingredient in Flomax, selectively binds to and blocks the alpha-1A adrenoceptors found predominantly in the prostate, bladder neck, and urethra.
    • By blocking these alpha-1A receptors, tamsulosin causes relaxation of the smooth muscle in these areas. This reduces the tone and contractility of the prostate and bladder neck.
    • The relaxation of the smooth muscle improves urine flow and reduces the symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), such as:
      • Frequent urination
      • Urgent need to urinate
      • Weak urine stream
    • Tamsulosin has a higher affinity for the alpha-1A receptors compared to the alpha-1B and alpha-1D subtypes. This selectivity helps minimize the cardiovascular side effects that can occur with non-selective alpha blockers.
    • The modified-release formulation of Flomax provides controlled, steady delivery of tamsulosin, allowing for once-daily dosing.
    

    Tamsulosin

    Medication used for benign prostatic hyperplasia and chronic prostatitis

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    Purpose

    Treats symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), chronic prostatitis, and aids in the passage of kidney stones.

    Trade Name

    Sold under the brand name Flomax among others.

    Administration

    Taken by mouth.

    Chemical Structure of Tamsulosin

    The chemical structure of tamsulosin, the active ingredient in Flomax, is:C20H28N2O5SThe systematic chemical name is:
    (-)-(R)-5-[2-[[2-(o-Ethoxyphenoxy)ethyl]amino]propyl]-2-methoxybenzenesulfonamide, monohydrochlorideThe structural formula is:Tamsulosin structural formula

    Dosage

    • Take one 0.4 mg capsule once daily, approximately 30 minutes after the same meal
    • Swallow capsules whole, do not crush, chew or open
    • If no response after 2-4 weeks, dose can be increased to 0.8 mg once daily

    Storage

    • Store at room temperature, 25°C (77°F)
    • Short-term exposure to 15-30°C (59-86°F) is acceptable
    • Keep out of reach of children

    Flomax (tamsulosin) Reviews

    • Many users found Flomax effective at improving urinary symptoms of BPH
    • However, some experienced significant side effects like dizziness, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction
    • Reports of atrial fibrillation and withdrawal symptoms when stopping Flomax
    • Sexual side effects like reduced libido and ejaculation problems were commonly reported
    • Overall, Flomax had mixed reviews, with 40% positive and 34% negative experiences