Tamsulosin: profile and news

Wockhardt Q1 net loss at Rs 3.7 cr Apr 25, 2006
Another group company, Esparma launched Tamsulosin, a drug used in the management of prostate enlargement, on the first day after patent expiry. ... - Business Standard,

Threshold BPH Drug Hits Bump; Stock Tumbles On Liver Toxicity May 12, 2006
The two market leaders in BPH are the alpha adrenergic receptor blocker Flomax (tamsulosin) from Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, of Ingelheim, Germany, which sells ... - BioWorld Online (subscription),

SkyePharma PLC - Preliminary Results Announcement for the Year ... Apr 19, 2006
...in November 2003, currently holds over 11% of the combined prescriptions written for it and for its principal competitor Flomax (tamsulosin, jointly marketed ... - PR Newswire (press release),

Other information

Indication
Used in the treatment of signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Pharmacology
Tamsulosin, an alpha-adrenoceptor blocker with enhanced specificity for the alpha-adrenoceptors of the prostate, is commonly used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Mechanism Of Action
Tamsulosin is a selective antagonist at alpha-1A and alpha-1B-adrenoceptors in the prostate, prostatic capsule, prostatic urethra, and bladder neck. At least three discrete alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes have been identified: alpha-1A, alpha-1B and alpha-1D; their distribution differs between human organs and tissue. Approximately 70% of the alpha1-receptors in human prostate are of the alpha-1A subtype. Blockage of these receptors causes relaxation of smooth muscles in the bladder neck and prostate.

Drug Category
Antineoplastic Agents; ATC:G04CA02

Brand Names/Synonyms
Flomax; Harnal; Omnic; Pradif; TAMSULOSIN; Tamsolusin; Tamsulosin; Tamsulosina [Inn-Spanish]; Tamsulosine [Inn-French]; Tamsulosinum [Inn-Latin]

Dosage Forms
CAPSULE (SUSTAINED-RELEASE)

Absorption
Absorption of tamsulosin HCI from capsules 0.4 mg is essentially complete (>90%) following oral administration under fasting conditions.

Interactions
Interactions for Tamsulosin:

Drug-Drug Interactions: The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between FLOMAX capsules and other alpha-adrenergic blocking agents have not been determined. However, interactions may be expected and FLOMAX capsules should NOT be used in combination with other alpha-adrenergic blocking agents.

The pharmacokinetic interaction between cimetidine and FLOMAX capsules was investigated. The results indicate significant changes in tamsulosin HCI clearance (26% decrease) and AUC (44% increase). Therefore, FLOMAX capsules should be used with caution in combination with cimetidine, particularly at doses higher than 0.4 mg.

Results from limited in vitro and in vivo drug-drug interaction studies between tamsulosin HCI and warfarin are inconclusive. Therefore, caution should be exercised with concomitant administration of warfarin and FLOMAX capsules.

Chemical IUPAC Name
5-[2-[2-(2-ethoxyphenoxy)ethylamino]propyl]-2-methoxy-benzenesulfonamide

Chemical Formula
C20H28N2O5S

Half Life
5-7 hours

Drug Type
Approved Drug

# Accession No
APRD00036

CAS Registry Number
106133-20-4