Tamsulosin: uses, appearance and warnings

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)

Capsule: 0.4 mg are olive green opaque/orange opaque size ‘0’ hard gelatin capsules imprinted with ‘D’ on cap and ‘53’ on body with black edible ink filled with white to off-white beadlets. Capsules: 0.4 mg (3)

Tamsulosin Hydrochloride Capsules USP, 0.4 mg are olive green opaque/orange opaque size '0' hard gelatin capsules imprinted with 'D' on cap and '53' on body with black edible ink filled with white to off-white beadlets. Bottles of 100 NDC 57237-014-01 Bottles of 500 NDC 57237-014-05 Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Preserve in tight container. Avoid excessive moisture. Keep tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules and all medicines out of reach of children.

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)

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 co-administered with PDE5 inhibitors. Alpha-adrenergic blockers and PDE5 inhibitors are both vasodilators that can lower blood pressure. Concomitant use of these two drug classes can potentially cause symptomatic hypotension [see Drug Interactions (7.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Caution should be exercised with concomitant administration of warfarin and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules [see Drug Interactions (7.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 5.3 Priapism Rarely (probably less than 1 in 50,000 patients), tamsulosin, like other alpha 1 antagonists, has been associated with priapism (persistent painful penile erection unrelated to sexual activity). Because this condition can lead to permanent impotence if not properly treated, patients must be advised about the seriousness of the condition. 5.4 Screening for Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer and BPH frequently co-exist; therefore, patients should be screened for the presence of prostate cancer prior to treatment with tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules and at regular intervals afterwards. 5.5 Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS) has been observed during cataract and glaucoma surgery in some patients on or previously treated with alpha 1 blockers, including tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . Most reports were in patients taking the alpha 1 blocker when IFIS occurred, but in some cases, the alpha 1 blocker had been stopped prior to surgery. In most of these cases, the alpha 1 blocker had been stopped recently prior to surgery (2 to 14 days), but in a few cases, IFIS was reported after the patient had been off the alpha 1 blocker for a longer period (5 weeks to 9 months). IFIS is a variant of small pupil syndrome and is characterized by the combination of a flaccid iris that billows in response to intraoperative irrigation currents, progressive intraoperative miosis despite preoperative dilation with standard mydriatic drugs and potential prolapse of the iris toward the phacoemulsification incisions. The patient’s ophthalmologist should be prepared for possible modifications to their surgical technique, such as the utilization of iris hooks, iris dilator rings, or viscoelastic substances. IFIS may increase the risk of eye complications during and after the operation. The benefit of stopping alpha 1 blocker therapy prior to cataract or glaucoma surgery has not been established. The initiation of therapy with tamsulosin in patients for whom cataract or glaucoma surgery is scheduled is not recommended. 5.6 Sulfa Allergy In patients with sulfa allergy, allergic reaction to tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules has been rarely reported. If a patient reports a serious or life-threatening sulfa allergy, caution is warranted when administering tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules.

The most common adverse events (≥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 Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc. at 1-844-874-7464 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. …

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. …