Tamsulosin MR Capsules

What is Tamsulosin?

Tamsulosin is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha-1 adrenergic blockers. It is primarily used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

How does Tamsulosin work?

Tamsulosin specifically targets and blocks alpha-1 receptors in the prostate and the bladder neck. By doing so, it relaxes the smooth muscle in these areas, reducing the constriction of the urinary tract and relieving the associated symptoms, making it easier to urinate and allowing the bladder to empty more completely. Relief occurs within 7 days.

How effective is Tamsulosin?

You can expect to feel relief from your symptoms within one week. The medication is sustained long-term, which means it continues to work when taken every day.

It's important to note that while tamsulosin can provide relief from the urinary symptoms associated with BPH, it does not shrink the size of the prostate. If you have symptoms of BPH or other urinary issues, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

What doses of Tamsulosin are there?

This is the most common and standard dose of tamsulosin used for the management of BPH. It is usually taken once daily, preferably 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Tamsulosin 0.4 mg is the typical starting dose for many patients.

The dose has been calculated as a result of scientific study and provides the optimum amount of treatment to treat your symptoms. You will not receive any further benefit by increasing the dosage.

Tamsulosin MR are ‘modified-release’ capsules. They release the tamsulosin gradually as they pass through the digestive system. In this way, a steady amount of medication can be absorbed throughout the day despite only one capsule being taken. The capsules should be swallowed whole, not chewed, crushed or broken, as this would interfere with the modified-release action.

Are there any alternatives to Tamsulosin?

Tamsulosin is one of several alpha-blockers used to treat BPH. Other alpha blockers include alfuzosin, doxazosin, and terazosin. These medications work similarly by relaxing the smooth muscles in the prostate and bladder neck to improve urine flow.

There is also a range of non-pharmacological treatments to help prostate enlargement and urinary symptoms:

• 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors: Medications such as finasteride and dutasteride are 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. They work by reducing the size of the prostate gland over time, which can relieve urinary symptoms. These drugs are often used in combination with alpha-blockers.
• Surgery: Surgical procedures, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or laser surgery, are options for severe cases of BPH when other treatments are not effective. These procedures involve removing or vaporizing excess prostate tissue to improve urine flow.
• Lifestyle Modifications: In addition to medications and procedures, lifestyle changes can help manage BPH symptoms. These may include reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, staying physically active, and managing fluid intake, especially in the evening.

Who should not take Tamsulosin

• You are allergic to tamsulosin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• If angioedema (swelling due to allergic reaction) occurs after using some drugs
• If you suffer from a serious infection of the liver
• If you suffer from dizziness when you want to sit up or stand up from the lying position
• If you have already had malaise while you urinate or after urinating (micturition syncope)

What other important information should you know before you take this treatment

Read the included leaflet before using this medication. Please read all packaging and the Product Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.

On long-term use of this product, regular medical examinations are necessary.

Infrequently, a drop in blood pressure has been reported during the use of the product tamsulosin capsules. On first feeling of dizziness, it is necessary to sit down or lie down until the disappearance of these signs.

Caution should be paid if you have severely impaired renal function as there is not sufficient data from clinical studies about patients with severe renal impairment.

Angioedema (swelling due to allergic reaction) has been rarely reported after the use of tamsulosin. In case of angioedema seek immediate medical assistance and discontinue use of tamsulosin capsules. The product should not be re-administered.

If you are planning to undergo cataract or glaucoma surgery, please inform your doctor that you are taking or have recently taken tamsulosin capsules. The specialist can then take appropriate precautions concerning medication and surgical techniques to be used. Ask your doctor whether or not you should postpone or temporarily stop taking this medicine when undergoing eye surgery because of a cloudy lens (cataract) or increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma).

Tamsulosin MR Capsule dosage

For Men 45 years and over only:

After a meal, swallow 1 whole capsule with water, at the same time every day.

• If this is the first time you are taking this medication, discontinue and consult your doctor if after 2 weeks, symptoms get worse or you have not improved.
  
• Within six weeks of starting this treatment, consult your doctor to confirm that your symptoms are due to BPH.
• Contact your doctor every 12 months to have your prostate checked.
• If your symptoms get worse or change consult your doctor.
• If you miss a dose, take it later after a meal, the same day.
• When you forget to take a dose, swallow your daily capsule at the usual time the next day. Avoid swallowing 2 capsules to make up for a missed dose.

Tamsulosin MR Capsule ingredients

The active ingredients contained in this medicine is/are:

Tamsulosin Hydrochloride 0.4mg.

Capsule content: Cellulose microcrystalline, Metacrylic acid – ethyl acrylate copolymer (1:1) dispersion 30% (contains sodium laurilsulfate, polysorbate 80), Dibutyl sebacate, Silica, colloidal hydrous, Polysorbate 80, Calcium stearate

Capsule body: Gelatin, Titanium dioxide (E171), Yellow iron oxide (E172), Red iron oxide (E172),

Capsule cap: Gelatin, Titanium dioxide (E171), Yellow iron oxide (E172), Black iron oxide (E172), Indigotine – FD&C Blue2 (E132)

Tamsulosin MR Capsule side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

If dizziness or weakness occurs, it is necessary to sit down or lie down until the disappearance of these signs.

Discontinue use of this product and seek immediate medical assistance if you get:

• Hypersensitivity reaction with purplish spots or patches on the skin, blisters on the skin, peeling of the skin, (high) fever, joint pain and/or eye inflammation (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• Serious allergic reaction which causes swelling of the face or throat (angioedema)

The most common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) are:

• Dizziness (can occur especially on an abrupt alteration of the position – when sitting up or standing up from the lying position), difficulties with ejaculation, little or no semen ejaculated at sexual climax, cloudy urine following sexual climax