INN monograph
Tamsulosin
Therapeutic agent (verify pharmacological class) · POM
Verified · Updated 01 Aug 2026 · Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; FDA drug label via OpenFDA/DailyMed; Professional class pharmacology (Therapeutic agent (verify pharmacological class))
Kenya market
Wholesale / list prices where loaded
Risk first
Contraindications
- 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS 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 (6.2)] .
- Contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to tamsulosin hydrochloride or any component of tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules (4, 6.2)
Precautions
- 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS 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.
- (5.2, 7.1, 12.3) Should not be used in combination with other alpha adrenergic blocking agents (5.2, 7.2, 12.3) Exercise caution with concomitant administration of warfarin (5.2, 7.4, 12.3) Advise patients about the possibility and seriousness of priapism (5.3) Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome has been observed during cataract and glaucoma surgery in some patients.
- Advise patients considering cataract or glaucoma surgery to tell their ophthalmologist that they have taken tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules.
- (5.5) Advise patients to be screened for the presence of prostate cancer prior to treatment and at regular intervals afterwards (5.4) 5.1 Orthostasis The signs and symptoms of orthostasis (postural hypotension, dizziness, and vertigo) were detected more frequently in tamsulosin hydrochloride capsule-treated patients than in placebo recipients.
- As with other alpha adrenergic blocking agents there is a potential risk of syncope [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] .
- Patients beginning treatment with tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules should be cautioned to avoid situations in which injury could result should syncope occur. 5.2 Drug Interactions Tamsulosin is extensively metabolized, mainly by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6.
- Tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules 0.4 mg should not be used in combination with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole) [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .
- 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, in patients known to be CYP2D6 poor metabolizers particularly at a dose higher than 0.4 mg (e.g., 0.8 mg) [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
- Tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules should be used with caution in combination with cimetidine, particularly at a dose higher than 0.4 mg (e.g., 0.8 mg) [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
- Tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules should not be used in combination with other alpha adrenergic blocking agents [see Drug Interactions (7.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
- Caution is advised when alpha adrenergic blocking agents including tamsulosin hydrochloride are coadministered with PDE5 inhibitors.
Point of care
Dosing
Adult
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 (5.2)]. 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. (2) 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 (2) If discontinued or interrupted for several days, therapy should start again with the 0.4 mg once-daily dose (2)
Paediatric
8.4 Pediatric Use 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. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 14-week, pharmacokinetic, safety and efficacy study in 161 patients, no statistically significant difference in the proportion of responders was observed between groups receiving tamsulosin hydrochloride and placebo. In an open-label, 12-month safety study, 87 patients were treated with tamsulosin hydrochloride. The most frequently reported adverse events (≥5%) from the pooled data of both studies were urinary tract infection, vomiting, pyrexia, headache, nasopharyngitis, cough, pharyngitis, influenza, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation.
Renal
Review renal impairment dosing; many agents need CrCl/eGFR adjustment.
- CrCl 0–120: Confirm renal dosing in product SmPC / primary label.
Hepatic
Review hepatic impairment dosing; monitor LFTs if agent is hepatically cleared or hepatotoxic.
Safety
Drug interactions
- Professional use: confirm indication, dose, duration, monitoring and patient counselling points against current Kenya STG / EML and the product SmPC.
- Document allergy status and key interactions.
Safety
Adverse effects
- (≥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. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reactions rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
- The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events has been ascertained from six short-term U.S. and European placebo-controlled clinical trials in which daily doses of 0.1 to 0.8 mg tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules were used.
- These studies evaluated safety in 1783 patients treated with tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules and 798 patients administered placebo.
- Table 1 summarizes the treatment-emergent adverse events that occurred in ≥2% of patients receiving either tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules 0.4 mg or 0.8 mg and at an incidence numerically higher than that in the placebo group during two 13-week U.S. trials (US92-03A and US93-01) conducted in 1487 men.
- Table 1 Treatment-Emergent* Adverse Events Occurring in ≥2% of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride Capsules or Placebo Patients in Two U.S.
- Short-Term Placebo-Controlled Clinical Studies BODY SYSTEM/ ADVERSE EVENT TAMSULOSIN HYDROCHLORIDE CAPSULES GROUPS PLACEBO 0.4 mg n=502 0.8 mg n=492 n=493 BODY AS WHOLE Headache 97 (19.3%) 104 (21.1%) 99 (20.1%) Infection† 45 (9%) 53 (10.8%) 37 (7.5%) Asthenia 39 (7.8%) 42 (8.5%) 27 (5.5%) Back pain 35 (7%) 41 (8.3%) 27 (5.5%) Chest pain 20 (4%) 20 (4.1%) 18 (3.7%) NERVOUS SYSTEM Dizziness 75 (14.9%) 84 (17.1%) 50 (10.1%) Somnolence 15 (3%) 21 (4.3%) 8 (1.6%) Insomnia 12 (2.4%) 7 (1.4%) 3 (0.6%) Libido decreased 5 (1%) 10 (2%) 6 (1.2%) RESPIRATORY SYSTEM Rhinitis‡ 66 (13.1%) 88 (17.9%) 41 (8.3%) Pharyngitis 29 (5.8%) 25 (5.1%) 23 (4.7%) Cough increased 17 (3.4%) 22 (4.5%) 12 (2.4%) Sinusitis 11 (2.2%) 18 (3.7%) 8 (1.6%) DIGESTIVE SYSTEM Diarrhea 31 (6.2%) 21 (4.3%) 22 (4.5%) Nausea 13 (2.6%) 19 (3.9%) 16 (3.2%) Tooth disorder 6 (1.2%) 10 (2%) 7 (1.4%) UROGENITAL SYSTEM Abnormal ejaculation 42 (8.4%) 89 (18.1%) 1 (0.2%) SPECIAL SENSES Blurred vision 1 (0.2%) 10 (2%) 2 (0.4%) * A treatment-emergent adverse event was defined as any event satisfying one of the following criteria: The adverse event occurred for the first time after initial dosing with double-blind study medication
- The adverse event was present prior to or at the time of initial dosing with double-blind study medication and subsequently increased in severity during double-blind treatment
- or The adverse event was present prior to or at the time of initial dosing with double-blind study medication, disappeared completely, and then reappeared during double-blind treatment. † Coding preferred terms also include cold, common cold, head cold, flu, and flu-like symptoms. ‡ Coding preferred terms also include nasal congestion, stuffy nose, runny nose, sinus congestion, and hay fever.
- Signs and Symptoms of Orthostasis In the two U.S. studies, symptomatic postural hypotension was reported by 0.2% of patients (1 of 502) in the 0.4 mg group, 0.4% of patients (2 of 492) in the 0.8 mg group, and by no patients in the placebo group.
- Syncope was reported by 0.2% of patients (1 of 502) in the 0.4 mg group, 0.4% of patients (2 of 492) in the 0.8 mg group, and 0.6% of patients (3 of 493) in the placebo group.
- Dizziness was reported by 15% of patients (75 of 502) in the 0.4 mg group, 17% of patients (84 of 492) in the 0.8 mg group, and 10% of patients (50 of 493) in the placebo group.
- Vertigo was reported by 0.6% of patients (3 of 502) in the 0.4 mg group, 1% of patients (5 of 492) in the 0.8 mg group, and by 0.6% of patients (3 of 493) in the placebo group.
- Multiple testing for orthostatic hypotension was conducted in a number of studies.
- Such a test was considered positive if it met one or more of the following criteria: (1) a decrease in systolic blood pressure of ≥20 mmHg upon standing from the supine position during the orthostatic tests
Use
Indications
- 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE 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)
Pharmacology
Mode of action
(BPH) are related to bladder outlet obstruction, which is comprised of two underlying components: static and dynamic.
Full mechanism text
(BPH) are related to bladder outlet obstruction, which is comprised of two underlying components: static and dynamic. The static component is related to an increase in prostate size caused, in part, by a proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the prostatic stroma. However, the severity of BPH symptoms and the degree of urethral obstruction do not correlate well with the size of the prostate. The dynamic component is a function of an increase in smooth muscle tone in the prostate and bladder neck leading to constriction of the bladder outlet. Smooth muscle tone is mediated by the sympathetic nervous stimulation of alpha 1 adrenoceptors, which are abundant in the prostate, prostatic capsule, prostatic urethra, and bladder neck. Blockade of these adrenoceptors can cause smooth muscles in the bladder neck and prostate to relax, resulting in an improvement in urine flow rate and a reduction in symptoms of BPH. Tamsulosin, an alpha 1 adrenoceptor blocking agent, exhibits selectivity for alpha 1 receptors in the human prostate. At least three discrete alpha 1 adrenoceptor subtypes have been identified: alpha 1A , alpha 1B , and alpha 1D ; their distribution differs between human organs and tissue. Approximately 70% of the alpha 1 receptors in the human prostate are of the alpha 1A subtype. Tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules are not intended for use as an antihypertensive drug.
ADME
Pharmacokinetics & PD
| Onset | Product-specific |
|---|---|
| Duration | Product-specific |
| Route | See product SmPC |
| Absorption | Absorption of tamsulosin hydrochloride from tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules 0.4 mg is essentially complete (>90%) following oral administration under fasting conditions. Tamsulosin hydrochloride exhibits linear kinetics following single and multiple dosing, with achievement of... |
| Distribution | differs between human organs and tissue. Approximately 70% of the alpha 1 receptors in the human prostate are of the alpha 1A subtype. Tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules are not intended for use as an antihypertensive drug. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics Urologic pharmacodynamic effects ha... |
| Metabolism | There is no enantiomeric bioconversion from tamsulosin hydrochloride [R(-) isomer] to the S(+) isomer in humans. Tamsulosin hydrochloride is extensively metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver and less than 10% of the dose is excreted in urine unchanged. However, the... |
| Elimination | On administration of the radiolabeled dose of tamsulosin hydrochloride to 4 healthy volunteers, 97% of the administered radioactivity was recovered, with urine (76%) representing the primary route of excretion compared to feces (21%) over 168 hours. Following intravenous or oral... |
| Half-life | AUCτ = area under the tamsulosin hydrochloride plasma time curve over the dosing interval |
Full PK/PD text
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action The symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are related to bladder outlet obstruction, which is comprised of two underlying components: static and dynamic. The static component is related to an increase in prostate size caused, in part, by a proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the prostatic stroma. However, the severity of BPH symptoms and the degree of urethral obstruction do not correlate well with the size of the prostate. The dynamic component is a function of an increase in smooth muscle tone in the prostate and bladder neck leading to constriction of the bladder outlet. Smooth muscle tone is mediated by the sympathetic nervous stimulation of alpha 1 adrenoceptors, which are abundant in the prostate, prostatic capsule, prostatic urethra, and bladder neck. Blockade of these adrenoceptors can cause smooth muscles in the bladder neck and prostate to relax, resulting in an improvement in urine flow rate and a reduction in symptoms of BPH. Tamsulosin, an alpha 1 adrenoceptor blocking agent, exhibits selectivity for alpha 1 receptors in the human prostate. At least three discrete alpha 1 adrenoceptor subtypes have been identified: alpha 1A , alpha 1B , and alpha 1D ; their distribution differs between human organs and tissue. Approximately 70% of the alpha 1 receptors in the human prostate are of the alpha 1A subtype. Tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules are not intended for use as an antihypertensive drug. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics Urologic pharmacodynamic effects have been evaluated in neurologically impaired pediatric patients and in adults with BPH [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 ) and Clinical Studies ( 14 )]. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics The pharmacokinetics of tamsulosin hydrochloride have been evaluated in adult healthy volunteers and patients with BPH after single and/or multiple administration with doses ranging from 0.1 mg to 1 mg. Absorption Absorption of tamsulosin hydrochloride from tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules 0.4 mg is essentially complete (>90%) following oral administration under fasting conditions. Tamsulosin hydrochloride exhibits linear kinetics following single and multiple dosing, with achievement of steady-state concentrations by the fifth day of once-a-day dosing. Effect of Food The time to maximum concentration (T max ) is reached by 4 to 5 hours under fasting conditions and by 6 to 7 hours when tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules are administered with food. Taking tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules under fasted conditions results in a 30% increase in bioavailability (AUC) and 40% to 70% increase in peak concentrations (C max ) compared to fed conditions (Figure 1). Figure 1 Mean Plasma Tamsulosin Hydrochloride Concentrations Following Single-Dose Administration of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride Capsules 0.4 mg Under Fasted and Fed Conditions (n=8) The effects of food on the pharmacokinetics of tamsulosin hydrochloride are consistent regardless of whether a tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules are taken with a light breakfast or a high-fat breakfast (Table 2). Table 2 Mean (± S.D.) Pharmacokinetic Parameters Following Tamsulosin Hydrochloride Capsules 0.4 mg Once Daily or 0.8 mg Once Daily with a Light Breakfast, High-Fat Breakfast or Fasted Pharmacokinetic Parameter 0.4 mg QD to healthy volunteers; n=23 (age range 18 to 32 years) 0.8 mg QD to healthy volunteers; n=22 (age range 55 to 75 years) Light Breakfast Fasted Light Breakfast High-Fat Breakfast Fasted C min (ng/mL) 4 ± 2.6 3.8 ± 2.5 12.3 ± 6.7 13.5 ± 7.6 13.3 ± 13.3 C max (ng/mL) 10.1 ± 4.8 17.1 ± 17.1 29.8 ± 10.3 29.1 ± 11 41.6 ± 15.6 C max /C min Ratio 3.1 ± 1 5.3 ± 2.2 2.7 ± 0.7 2.5 ± 0.8 3.6 ± 1.1 T max (hours) 6 4 7 6.6 5 T 1/2 (hours) - - - - 14.9 ± 3.9 AUC τ (ng•hr/mL) 151 ± 81.5 199 ± 94.1 440 ± 195 449 ± 217 557 ± 257 C min = observed minimum concentration C max = observed maximum tamsulosin hydrochloride plasma concentration T max = median time-to-maximum concentration T 1/2 = observed half-life AUCτ = area under the tamsulosin hydrochloride plasma time curve over the dosing interval Distribution The mean steady-state apparent volume of distribution of tamsulosin hydrochloride after intravenous administration to 10 healthy male adults was 16 L, which is suggestive of distribution into extracellular fluids in the body. Tamsulosin hydrochloride is extensively bound to human plasma proteins (94% to 99%), primarily alpha 1 acid glycoprotein (AAG), with linear binding over a wide concentration range (20 to 600 ng/mL). The results of two-way in vitro studies indicate that the binding of tamsulosin hydrochloride to human plasma proteins is not affected by amitriptyline, diclofenac, glyburide, simvastatin plus simvastatin-hydroxy acid metabolite, warfarin, diazepam, propranolol, trichlormethiazide, or chlormadinone. Likewise, tamsulosin hydrochloride had no effect on the extent of binding of these drugs. Metabolism There is no enantiomeric bioconversion from tamsulosin hydrochloride [R(-) isomer] to the S(+) isomer in humans. Tamsulosin hydrochloride is extensively metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver and less than 10% of the dose is excreted in urine unchanged. However, the pharmacokinetic profile of the metabolites in humans has not been established. Tamsulosin is extensively metabolized, mainly by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 as well as via some minor participation of other CYP isoenzymes. Inhibition of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes may lead to increased exposure to tamsulosin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Drug Interactions (7.1)]. The metabolites of tamsulosin hydrochloride undergo extensive conjugation to glucuronide or sulfate prior to renal excretion. Incubations with human liver microsomes showed no evidence of clinically significant metabolic interactions between tamsulosin hydrochloride and amitriptyline, albuterol (beta agonist), glyburide (glibenclamide) and finasteride (5-alpha-reductase inhibitor for treatment of BPH). However, results of the in vitro testing of the tamsulosin hydrochloride interaction with diclofenac and warfarin were equivocal. Excretion On administration of the radiolabeled dose of tamsulosin hydrochloride to 4 healthy volunteers, 97% of the administered radioactivity was recovered, with urine (76%) representing the primary route of excretion compared to feces (21%) over 168 hours. Following intravenous or oral administration of an immediate-release formulation, the elimination half-life of tamsulosin hydrochloride in plasma ranged from 5 to 7 hours. Because of absorption rate-controlled pharmacokinetics with tamsulosin hydrochloride 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. Tamsulosin hydrochloride undergoes restrictive clearance in humans, with a relatively low systemic clearance (2.88 L/h). Specific Populations Pediatric use Tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules are not indicated for use in pediatric populations [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)]. Geriatric (age) use Cross-study comparison of tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules overall exposure (AUC) and half-life indicates that the pharmacokinetic disposition of tamsulosin hydrochloride may be slightly prolonged in geriatric males compared to young, healthy male volunteers. Intrinsic clearance is independent of tamsulosin hydrochloride binding to AAG, but diminishes with age, resulting in a 40% overall higher exposure (AUC) in subjects of age 55 to 75 years compared to subjects of age 20 to 32 years [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)]. Renal impairment The pharmacokinetics of tamsulosin hydrochloride have been compared in 6 subjects with mild-moderate (30≤ CL cr <70 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) or moderate-severe (10≤ CL cr <30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) renal impairment and 6 normal subjects (CL cr >90 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ). While a change in the overall plasma concentration of tamsulosin hydrochloride was observed as the result of altered binding to AAG, the unbound (active) concentration of tamsulosin hydrochloride, as well as the intrinsic clearance, remained relatively constant. Therefore, patients with renal impairment do not require an adjustment in tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules dosing. However, patients with end-stage renal disease (CL cr <10 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) have not been studied [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)]. Hepatic impairment The pharmacokinetics of tamsulosin hydrochloride have been compared in 8 subjects with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh's classification: Grades A and B) and 8 normal subjects. While a change in the overall plasma concentration of tamsulosin hydrochloride was observed as the result of altered binding to AAG, the unbound (active) concentration of tamsulosin hydrochloride does not change significantly, with only a modest (32%) change in intrinsic clearance of unbound tamsulosin hydrochloride. Therefore, patients with moderate hepatic impairment do not require an adjustment in tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules dosage. Tamsulosin hydrochloride has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7)]. Drug Interactions Cytochrome P450 inhibition Strong and moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 The effects of ketoconazole (a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4) at 400 mg once daily for 5 days on the pharmacokinetics of a single tamsulosin hydrochloride capsule 0.4 mg dose was investigated in 24 healthy volunteers (age range 23 to 47 years). Concomitant treatment with ketoconazole resulted in an increase in the C max and AUC of tamsulosin by a factor of 2.2 and 2.8, respectively [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . The effects of concomitant administration of a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor (e.g., erythromycin) on the pharmacokinetics of tamsulosin hydrochloride have not been evaluated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Drug Interactions (7.1)]. The effects of paroxetine (a strong inhibitor of CYP2D6) at 20 mg once daily for 9 days on the pharmacokinetics of a single tamsulosin hydrochloride capsule 0.4 mg dose was investigated in 24 healthy volunteers (age range 23 to 47 years). Concomitant treatment with paroxetine resulted in an increase in the C max and AUC of tamsulosin by a factor of 1.3 and 1.6, respectively [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Drug Interactions (7.1)] . A similar increase in exposure is expected in CYP2D6 poor metabolizers (PM) as compared to extensive metabolizers (EM). A fraction of the population (about 7% of Caucasians and 2% of African Americans) are CYP2D6 PMs. Since CYP2D6 PMs cannot be readily identified and the potential for significant increase in tamsulosin exposure exists when tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules 0.4 mg are coadministered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors in CYP2D6 PMs, tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules 0.4 mg should not be used in combination with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Drug Interactions (7.1)]. The effects of concomitant administration of a moderate CYP2D6 inhibitor (e.g., terbinafine) on the pharmacokinetics of tamsulosin hydrochloride have not been evaluated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Drug Interactions (7.1)] . The effects of coadministration of both a CYP3A4 and a CYP2D6 inhibitor with tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules have not been evaluated. However, there is a potential for significant increase in tamsulosin exposure when tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules 0.4 mg are coadministered with a combination of both CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibitors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Drug Interactions (7.1)] . Cimetidine The effects of cimetidine at the highest recommended dose (400 mg every 6 hours for 6 days) on the pharmacokinetics of a single tamsulosin hydrochloride capsule 0.4 mg dose was investigated in 10 healthy volunteers (age range 21 to 38 years). Treatment with cimeti
Kenya
Brands & prices
| Brand | Company | Pack | KES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contiflo OD | Sun Pharmaceuticals Ltd | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Flomax | Astellas Pharma Inc. | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Flosure | Ferozsons Laboratories | Standard Commercial Pack | 893.97 |
| Maxflow | CCL Pharmaceuticals | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Tam | Meyer Organics | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Tamcontin | Modi-Mundipharma Ltd | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Tamsolin | Getz Pharmaceuticals | Standard Commercial Pack | 699.43 |
| Tamsu | Sigma Laboratories Limited | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Tamsumac | Macleods Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
Special populations
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
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]. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and of miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2%–4% and 15%–20%, respectively. Data Administration of tamsulosin hydrochloride to pregnant female rats during the period of organogenesis at dose levels up to approximately 50 times the human therapeutic AUC exposure (300 mg/kg/day) revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus. Administration of tamsulosin hydrochloride to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis at dose levels up to 50 mg/kg/day produced no evidence of fetal harm.
Lactation
• Pediatric Use: Not indicated for use in pediatric populations ( 8.4 , 12.3 ) • Geriatric Use: No overall differences in efficacy or safety vs. younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older adults cannot be ruled out ( 8.5 , 12.3 ) • Renal Impairment: Has not been studied in patients with end-stage renal disease ( 8.6 , 12.3 ) • Hepatic Impairment: Has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment ( 8.7 , 12.3 ) 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]. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and of miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2%–4% and 15%–20%, respectively. Data Administration of tamsulosin hydrochloride to pregnant female rats during the period of organogenesis at dose levels up to approximately 50 times the human therapeutic AUC exposure (300 mg/kg/day) revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus. Administration of tamsulosin hydrochloride to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis at dose levels up to 50 mg/kg/day produced no evidence of fetal harm. 8.2 Lactation Tamsulosin hydrochloride is not indicated for use in women. There are no data on the presence of tamsulosin hydrochloride in human milk, the effects of tamsulosin hydrochloride on the breastfed infant, or the effects of tamsulosin hydrochloride on milk production. Tamsulosin hydrochloride is present in the milk of lactating rats [see Data]. Data Oral administration of radiolabeled tamsulosin hydrochloride to rats demonstrated that tamsulosin hydrochloride and/or its metabolites are excreted into the milk of rats. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Infertility Males Abnormal ejaculation including ejaculation failure, ejaculation disorder, retrograde ejaculation, and ejaculation decrease has been associated with tamsulosin hydrochloride [see Clinical Trials Experience (6.1)]. Studies in rats revealed significantly reduced fertility in males considered to be due to impairment of ejaculation, which was reversible [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]. Females Tamsulosin hydrochloride is not indicated for use in women. Female fertility in rats was significantly reduced, considered to be due to impairment of fertilization [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]. 8.4 Pediatric Use 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. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 14-week, pharmacokinetic, safety and efficacy study in 161 patients, no statistically significant difference in the proportion of responders was observed between groups receiving tamsulosin hydrochloride and placebo. In an open-label, 12-month safety study, 87 patients were treated with tamsulosin hydrochloride. The most frequently reported adverse events (≥5%) from the pooled data of both studies were urinary tract infection, vomiting, pyrexia, headache, nasopharyngitis, cough, pharyngitis, influenza, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. 8.5 Geriatric Use 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)]. 8.6 Renal Impairment Patients with renal impairment do not require an adjustment in tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules dosing. However, patients with end-stage renal disease (CL cr <10 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) have not been studied [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. 8.7 Hepatic Impairment Patients with moderate hepatic impairment do not require an adjustment in tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules dosage. Tamsulosin hydrochloride has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Diet
Food & alcohol
- Drug & food interactions (label) 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • 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 ). 7.1 Cytochrome P450 Inhibition Strong and Moderate Inhibitors of CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 Tamsulosin is extensively metabolized, mainly by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. Concomitant treatment with ketoconazole (a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4) resulted in an increase in the C max and AUC of tamsulosin by a factor of 2.2 and 2.8, respectively [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. The effects of concomitant administration of a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor (e.g., erythromycin) on the pharmacokinetics of tamsulosin hydrochloride have not been evaluated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Concomitant treatment with paroxetine (a strong inhibitor of CYP2D6) resulted in an increase in the C max and AUC of tamsulosin by a factor of 1.3 and 1.6, respectively [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. A similar increase in exposure is expected in CYP2D6 poor metabolizers (PM) as compared to extensive metabolizers (EM). Since CYP2D6 PMs cannot be readily identified and the potential for significant increase in tamsulosin exposure exists when tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules 0.4 mg is coadministered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors in CYP2D6 PMs, tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules 0.4 mg should not be used in combination with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. The effects of concomitant administration of a moderate CYP2D6 inhibitor (e.g., terbinafine) on the pharmacokinetics of tamsulosin hydrochloride have not been evaluated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. The effects of coadministration of both a CYP3A4 and a CYP2D6 inhibitor with tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules have not been evaluated. However, there is a potential for significant increase in tamsulosin exposure when tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules 0.4 mg is coadministered with a combination of both CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibitors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Cimetidine Treatment with cimetidine resulted in a significant decrease (26%) in the clearance of tamsulosin hydrochloride, which resulted in a moderate increase in tamsulosin hydrochloride AUC (44%) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. 7.2 Other Alpha Adrenergic Blocking Age
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Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; FDA drug label via OpenFDA/DailyMed; Professional class pharmacology (Therapeutic agent (verify pharmacological class))
Last reviewed: 01 Aug 2026
Decision support only — not a substitute for clinical judgment, product SmPC, or Kenya STG/EML.