Invasive therapies for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with BPH, such as transurethral resection of the prostate, can be associated with impotence or retrograde ejaculation. α1-adrenoceptor antagonists are effective and fast-acting in the relief of LUTS and BPH. Unlike 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, they do not induce impotence or a decrease in libido. In several placebo-controlled trials, abnormal ejaculation occurred in 4% to 8% of patients with BPH receiving α1-adrenoceptor blocking agents. However, this side effect appeared to be well-tolerated as <1% of patients discontinued therapy because of abnormal ejaculation.1,2,3,4,5 There was significant improvement among tamsulosin-treated patients in total libido and erectile function (P=0.042).
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Diagnosing BPH |
Important Safety Information
FLOMAX is indicated to treat the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). FLOMAX is not indicated to treat hypertension. As with other alpha-adrenergic blocking agents, there is a potential risk of syncope. Patients beginning treatment with FLOMAX should be cautioned to avoid driving or hazardous tasks for 12 hours after their first dose or increase in dose should syncope occur. The most common side effects are dizziness, abnormal ejaculation, and rhinitis.
Caution should be exercised with concomitant administration of warfarin and FLOMAX. In addition, FLOMAX should be used with caution in combination with cimetidine, particularly at doses higher than 0.4 mg. FLOMAX is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to tamsulosin HCl or any component of FLOMAX.
Before prescribing FLOMAX, please see the full Prescribing Information.
1. Schulman CC, Lock TM, Buzelin JM, et al for the European Tamsulosin Study Group. Long-term use of tamsulosin to treat lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia. J Urol. 2001;166:1358-1363.
2. Höfner K, Claes H, De Reijke TM, et al, for the European Tamsulosin Study Group. Tamsulosin 0.4 mg once daily: effect on sexual function in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic obstruction. Eur Urol. 1999;36:335-341.
3. Schulman CC. Lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia: minimizing morbidity caused by treatment. Urology. 2003;62(suppl 3A):24-33.
4. Lepor H for the Tamsulosin Investigator Group. Long-term evaluation of tamsulosin in benign prostatic hyperplasia: placebo-controlled, double-blind extension of phase III trial. Urology. 1998;51:901-906.
5. Narayan P, Tewari A, and members of United States 93-01 Study Group. A second phase III multicenter placebo-controlled study of 2 dosages of modified release tamsulosin in patients with symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. J Urol. 1998;160:1701-1706.
