Tamsulosin

Tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules are indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) [see Clinical Studies (14)]. Tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules are not indicated for the treatment of hypertension. Tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules are an alpha 1 adrenoceptor antagonist indicated for treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (1) Tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules are not indicated for the treatment of hypertension (1)

• Tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules 0.4 mg once daily is recommended as the dose
• For the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH
• It should be administered approximately one-half hour following the same meal each day
• Tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules should not be crushed, chewed or opened
• For those patients who fail to respond to the 0.4 mg dose after 2 to 4 weeks of dosing, the dose of tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules can be increased to 0.8 mg once daily
• Tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules 0.4 mg should not be used in combination with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole) [see Warnings and Precautions ]
• If tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules 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 0.4 mg once-daily dose. 0.4 mg once daily taken approximately one-half hour following the same meal each day
• Tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules should not be crushed, chewed or opened
• Can be increased to 0.8 mg once daily for patients who fail to respond to the 0.4 mg dose after 2 to 4 weeks of dosing If discontinued or interrupted for several days, therapy should start again with the 0.4 mg once-daily dose

Capsule: 0.4 mg, hard gelatin capsule shell size “2” white opaque cap with AS in black ink and white opaque body with 0.4 mg in black ink, filled with white to off white spherical pellets. Capsules: 0.4 mg (3)

• Tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules are not indicated for use
• In pediatric populations
• Efficacy and positive benefit/risk of tamsulosin hydrochloride was not demonstrated in two studies conducted in patients 2 years to 16 years of age with elevated detrusor leak point pressure (>40 cm H 2 O) associated with known neurological disorder (e.g., spina bifida)
• Patients in both studies were treated on a weight-based mg/kg schema (0.025 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.2 mg, or 0.4 mg tamsulosin hydrochloride) for the reduction in detrusor leak point pressure below 40 cm H 2 O. …

Of the total number of subjects (1783) in clinical studies of tamsulosin, 36% were 65 years of age and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and the other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) …

• Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information)
• Hypotension Advise the patient about the possible occurrence of symptoms related to postural hypotension, such as dizziness, when taking tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules, and they should be cautioned about driving, operating machinery, or performing hazardous tasks [see Warnings and Precautions ]
• Drug Interactions Advise the patient that tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules should not be used in combination with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 [see Warnings and Precautions and Drug Interactions ]. …

• Tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to tamsulosin hydrochloride or any component of tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules
• Reactions have included skin rash, urticaria, pruritus, angioedema, and respiratory symptoms [see Adverse Reactions ]
• Contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to tamsulosin hydrochloride or any component of tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules

• Tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules 0.4 mg should not be used with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole). Tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules should be used with caution in combination with moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., erythromycin), in combination with strong (e.g., paroxetine) or moderate (e.g., terbinafine) inhibitors of CYP2D6, or in patients known to be CYP2D6 poor metabolizers, particularly at a dose higher than 0.4 mg (e.g., 0.8 mg). ( 5.2 , 7.1 , 12.3 ) • Concomitant use of PDE5 inhibitors with tamsulosin can potentially cause symptomatic hypotension ( 5.2 , 7.3 , 12.3 ). …

Advise patients about the possibility of symptoms related to postural hypotension and to avoid situations where injury could result should syncope occur (5.1) Should not be used in combination with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4. Use with caution in combination with moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4, with strong or moderate inhibitors of CYP2D6, in patients known to be CYP2D6 poor metabolizers, or in combination with other cytochrome P450 inhibitors. …

The most common adverse events (≥2% of patients and at a higher incidence than placebo) with the 0.4 mg dose or 0.8 mg dose were headache, dizziness, rhinitis, infection, abnormal ejaculation, asthenia, back pain, diarrhea, pharyngitis, chest pain, cough increased, somnolence, nausea, sinusitis, insomnia, libido decreased, tooth disorder, and blurred vision (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact XLCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-866-495-1995 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. …

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Tamsulosin hydrochloride is not indicated for use in women. There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of tamsulosin hydrochloride in pregnant women. No adverse developmental effects were observed in animal studies in which tamsulosin hydrochloride was administered to rats or rabbits during the period of organogenesis (GD 7 to 17 in the rat and GD 6 to 18 in the rabbit) [see Data]. …

Should overdosage of tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules lead to hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)], support of the cardiovascular system is of first importance. Restoration of blood pressure and normalization of heart rate may be accomplished by keeping the patient in the supine position. If this measure is inadequate, then administration of intravenous fluids should be considered. If necessary, vasopressors should then be used and renal function should be monitored and supported as needed. …

Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.