Prostam 0.4 mg

INDICATIONS

Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is indicated for the treatment of functional symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

PHARMACOLOGY

Tamsulosin, a selective alpha1 adrenoceptor blocking agent, exhibits its selectivity for alpha1 A adrenoceptors in human prostate. Blockade of these adrenoceptors can cause smooth muscle in the bladder neck and prostate to relax, resulting in an improvement in urine flow rate and a reduction in symptoms of BPH. Absorption of Tamsulosin hydrochloride capsule 0.4mg is essentially complete (90%) following oral administration under fasting conditions. The time to maximum concentration (Tmax) is reached by four to five hours under fasting conditions and by six to seven hours when administered with food. Tamsulosin hydrochloride is extremely bound to human plasma protein (94% to 99%). Tamsulosin hydrochloride is extensively metabolized by cytochrome P 450 enzymes in the liver and less than 10% of the dose is excreted in urine as unchanged form. Following intravenous or oral administration of an immediate-release formulation the elimination half-life of Tamsulosin hydrochloride in plasma ranges from five to seven hours. Because of the absorption rate controlled pharmacokinetics with Prostam capsules, the apparent half-life of Tamsulosin hydrochloride is approximately 9 to 13 hours in healthy volunteers and 14 to 15 hours in the target population.

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION

Tamsulosin Hydrochloride 0.4 mg (one capsule) daily, to be taken after meal at night. The dose may be increased after 2 to 4 weeks, if necessary, to Tamsulosin Hydrochloride 0.8 mg (two capsules) once daily. If Tamsulosin Hydrochloride administration is discontinued or interrupted for several days at either the 0.4 mg or 0.8 mg dose, therapy should be started again with the Tamsulosin Hydrochloride 0.4 mg (one capsule) once daily dose. The capsule should be swallowed whole with a glass of water (about 150 ml) in the standing or sitting position. The capsule should not be crunched or chewed, as this will interfere with the modified release of the active ingredient.

INTERACTION

Concurrent administration of other alfa1-adrenoceptor antagonists could lead to hypotensive effects. No interactions have been seen when Tamsulosin was given concomitantly with either atenolol, enalapril or nifedipine. Concomitant cimetidine brings about a rise and frusemide a fall in plasma levels of Tamsulosin, but as levels remain within the normal range posology need not be changed. No interactions at the level of hepatic metabolism have been seen during in vitro studies with liver microsomal fractions (representative of the cytochrome P450-linked drug-metabolizing enzyme system), involving amitriptyline, salbutamol, glibenclamide, and finasteride. Diclofenac and warfarin, however, may increase the elimination rate of Tamsulosin.

SIDE EFFECTS

The following adverse reactions have been reported during the use of Tamsulosin: dizziness, abnormal ejaculation and; less frequently headache, asthenia, postural hypotension and palpitations.

PREGNANCY & LACTATION

Use of Tamsulosin in pregnancy and lactation is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS

Rarely, transient postural symptoms have occurred during orthostatic provocation testing after the first dose. Use in patients with micturition syncope is not advised.Effects on ability to drive and use machines: No data is available on whether Tamsulosin adversely affects the ability to drive or operate machines. However, in this respect, patients should be aware of the fact that dizziness can occur.

THERAPEUTIC CLASS

BPH/ Urinary retention/ Urinary incontinence

STORAGE CONDITIONS

Store in a cool and dry place, below 30°C, protected from light.