Tamsulosin

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Tamsulosin is one of the most important active ingredients in benign prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia). The prostate or prostate gland is a ring around the urethra. It is enlarged in many older men and then causes problems with urination, for example. The active ingredient tamsulosin alleviates such symptoms and delays the progression of the disease. Here you can read everything you need to know about tamsulosin.

This is how tamsulosin works

Tamsulosin has a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the lower urinary tract. In this way, it improves the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement of the prostate).

Most older men have a benign enlargement of the prostate gland. In many cases, the pressure of the newly formed tissue on the urethra, which is in the immediate vicinity, leads to urination problems, frequent nocturnal urination, problems with emptying the bladder completely, to backflow damage with urinary tract diseases and kidney dysfunction.

The active ingredient tamsulosin is a so-called alpha-1 receptor blocker. It preferentially binds to the alpha1A binding sites (receptors) found in the prostate. In doing so, he blocks them for messenger substances such as adrenaline.

As a result, the messenger substances can no longer bind and develop their effect. This relaxes the muscles in the lower urinary tract. This significantly facilitates the outflow of urine. Compared to other alpha-1 receptor blockers, tamsulosin is more selective and therefore has fewer side effects.

Uptake, breakdown and excretion

Tamsulosin is administered in a "retarded" form. This means that the active ingredient from the dosage form is released slowly and continuously in the intestine. This ensures that the level of active ingredient in the blood is even and that the effects of tamsulosin last for up to 24 hours.

About 60 percent of the total amount of active ingredient administered is absorbed in the intestine. In the body, the active substance is then partially broken down in the liver; however, most of it is excreted unchanged via the kidneys.

When is tamsulosin used?

Drugs with tamsulosin are used for benign enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia). The active ingredient is mainly used in comparatively young patients and in patients for whom surgical removal of the tissue growth is neither wanted nor possible.

This is how tamsulosin is used

The most commonly used dosage forms with tamsulosin are capsules and tablets, which release the active ingredient slowly and continuously. This ensures that constant amounts of active ingredient ensure an even effect in the body.

The usual dosage is 0.4 milligrams daily. The capsules or tablets are taken after breakfast or after the first meal of the day.

Combination with other active ingredients

Tamsulosin only works symptomatically against the narrowing of the urinary tract. It is therefore often combined with another active ingredient that is aimed directly at the cause of the symptoms - the enlarged prostate.

Drugs from the group of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (e.g. finasteride, dutasteride) are well suited for this. These inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which is involved in tissue growth in high concentrations. By lowering the dihydrotestosterone level, the cause of the prostate enlargement can be eliminated and the progression of the disease significantly slowed down.

What are the side effects of tamsulosin?

Due to the comparatively specific attack at its docking site, tamsulosin has fewer side effects than the other representatives of this class of active ingredients.

Nevertheless, after ingestion, dizziness and ejaculation disorders can occur in about ten percent of those treated. Less often (that is, in less than one percent of patients), tamsulosin causes side effects such as headache, low blood pressure, increased pulse, inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane, gastrointestinal discomfort and skin rashes.

What should be considered when taking tamsulosin?

Contraindications

Tamsulosin must not be used in:

• low blood pressure (hypotension)
• known orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure after changing position, e.g. when getting up from lying down)
• severe liver problems

Interactions

The simultaneous use of several alpha-1 blockers can lead to increased side effects such as a drop in blood pressure.

Various active ingredients can accelerate the excretion of tamsulosin and thus reduce its effectiveness. These active ingredients include diclofenac (pain reliever and anti-inflammatory) and warfarin (anticoagulant).

Tamsulosin is metabolized in the liver via the cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzyme (CYP3A4). Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 can therefore delay the breakdown of tamsulosin and thus increase its effect. Examples of strong CAP3A4 inhibitors are ketoconazole and itraconazole (antifungal agents), some macrolide antibiotics (clarithromycin, telithromycin) and certain HIV drugs (e.g. indinavir, ritonavir, nelfinavir).

Overdose

An overdose of tamsulosin (about five milligrams or more) can lead to an acute drop in blood pressure, which can be life-threatening.

In the event of a sudden drop in blood pressure, inform a doctor immediately!

Driving and using machines

The active ingredient tamsulosin does not have a negative effect on the ability to react, but those treated should watch out for dizziness as a possible side effect.

Before actively participating in road traffic and operating heavy machinery, the individual reaction to the treatment should always be awaited and observed.

Age restriction

The safety and effectiveness of tamsulosin in children and adolescents under 18 years of age have not been established.

pregnancy and breast feeding period

Tamsulosin is not indicated for the treatment of women.

How to get drugs with tamsulosin

Medicines containing tamsulosin require a prescription in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and can only be obtained from a pharmacy with a prescription from a doctor.

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