Tamsulosin

Tamsulosin (rINN) (pronounced /tæmˈsuːloʊsɪn/, /tæmsuˈloʊsɪn/) is an α_1a-selective alpha blocker used in the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Tamsulosin was developed by Yamanouchi Pharmaceuticals (now part of Astellas Pharma) and is marketed by various companies under licence, including Boehringer-Ingelheim and CSL. As of 2006, tamsulosin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are marketed under the trade name Flomaxtra. It was formerly marketed as modified-release capsules under the trade name Flomax.

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Clinical use

Adverse effects

Two ADRs (Adverse Drug Reactions) have been reported:

• Immunologic: It contains a sulfa moiety, thus causing typical reactions to sulfa drugs.
• Ophthalmologic: Patients taking tamsulosin are prone to a complication known as floppy iris syndrome during cataract surgery. Adverse outcomes of the surgery are greatly reduced by the surgeon's prior knowledge of the patient's history with this drug, and thus having the option of alternative techniques. [1]

Tamsulosin has also affected the sexual function in men. Tamsulosin can cause males to experience retrograde ejaculation.

Clinical comparison

Although prostate specific, it does not have the prostate apoptotic effects of other alpha-blockers such as doxazosin and terazosin.