What is Flomax?
Flomax is a specific blocker of the alpha 1-adrenergic receptors located in the prostatic urethra smooth muscle fibers, as well as in bladder neck and prostate. The treatment course reduces smooth muscle tone of the urethra, bladder and prostate cancer, leading to a significant improvement in the flow of urine.
The uniformity of drug absorption can be improved if taken daily after the same meal. The bioavailability of the drug is estimated at around 100 percent mark. Following a single dosage of 0. 4 mg, cmax in plasma is monitored after 6 hours. In a state of equilibrium concentration (5+ days treatment) the maximum concentration of tamsulosin, active ingredient of the Flomax preparation, in plasma by about two-thirds higher than after a single dose. Plasma protein binding is 99% with a small volume of distribution. Tamsulosin has a low first-pass effect and slowly metabolized in the liver to form pharmacologically active metabolites that retain high selectivity for alpha 1-adrenergic receptors. Most of tamsulosin is present in plasma in unchanged form. Tamsulosin is excreted by the kidneys, 9% of thedrug excreted unchanged. The half-life of the drug equals 10 hours.
Flomax is prescribed as monotherapy treatment of voiding dysfunction that accompanies benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Flomax administration 1 capsule of Flomax (0. 4 mg) is appointed for daily use at the same time after the meal (after the breakfast). The capsule should be taken without chewing, with a glass of water. The duration of treatment depends on the severity and course of the disease and is determined individually.
In some cases the remedy may contribute to drops in blood pressure and fainting. In case of the very first signs of hypotension (e. g. dizziness, fatigue or weakness), the patient must sit or lie down as soon as possible. In this position, he or she must remain until the disappearance of these signs. If the patient requires cataract surgery during the course, then there is a high risk of developing the narrow pupils syndrome; preoperative ophthalmic surgeon should consider this nuance.
The drug's active component has a high selectivity (no impact on smooth muscle fibers of vessel walls), whereby the medicament doesn't cause the systemic blood pressure lowering. Flomax is appreciated for an absolute bioavailability. The maximum concentration of active substance in the blood 6 hours after oral administration. The drug and its metabolites are excreted by the kidneys only. Approximately 9% of the drug is released unchanged. Drug's half-life ranges from ten to thirteen hours. If there are patients with severe renal insufficiency using tools requires special care. After oral administration of Flomax the medication is rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
Flomax pharmacological action
Flomax administration
Flomax precautions
Before initiating the therapy, the patient should be carefully examined in order to rule out other diseases of the prostate gland with the same symptoms. Before you start, and during the treatment passing PSA blood test and ultrasound of the pelvic organs may be required. Flomax should not be taken at: orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure with rapid change in the position of the body); renal failure; hypersensitive to any ingredient drugs. The application of the medication andanalogs of this drug requires careful caution in patients with severe renal insufficiency.