Eziflo 0.4mg Capsule | 1 Strip

✔️ Pharmacology

Tamsulosin is a selective alpha₁-adrenoceptor antagonist that specifically targets alpha₁A receptors located in the prostate. By blocking these receptors, Tamsulosin induces relaxation of the smooth muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, resulting in improved urinary flow and relief from BPH-related symptoms.

After oral administration under fasting conditions, approximately 90% of Tamsulosin is absorbed. The time to reach maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) occurs within 4–5 hours in fasting conditions and 6–7 hours with food intake. The drug is highly protein-bound (94–99%) in human plasma.

Tamsulosin is extensively metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, with less than 10% excreted unchanged in the urine. Its elimination half-life ranges from 5–7 hours for immediate-release forms and approximately 9–13 hours in healthy volunteers or 14–15 hours in patients with BPH due to controlled absorption kinetics.

✔️ Overdose Effects

• Although acute overdose cases are rare, severe hypotension may occur.
  Supportive measures include:
• Keeping the patient in a supine position to restore blood pressure.
• Administration of fluid expanders and vasopressors if required.
• Renal function monitoring is advised.
• Dialysis is unlikely to be effective due to high plasma protein binding.

In cases of large ingestion, gastric lavage, activated charcoal, and osmotic laxatives (e.g., sodium sulfate) may be used to reduce absorption.

✔️ Side Effects

Common: Dizziness, abnormal ejaculation.

Less common: Headache, asthenia, postural hypotension, palpitations.

✔️ Drug Interactions

• Concurrent use of other alpha₁-adrenoceptor blockers may enhance hypotensive effects.
  No significant interactions were noted when Eziflo was co-administered with atenolol, enalapril, or nifedipine.
• Cimetidine may slightly increase plasma levels of Tamsulosin.
• Frusemide may reduce plasma levels, though dose adjustment is typically unnecessary.
• Diclofenac and warfarin can increase Tamsulosin elimination.
• No clinically relevant interactions were observed with amitriptyline, salbutamol, glibenclamide, or finasteride in vitro.

✔️ Tamsulosin is contraindicated in patients with:

• Known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient.
• History of orthostatic hypotension.
• Severe hepatic impairment.

As with other alpha-blockers, some patients may experience a fall in blood pressure, occasionally leading to syncope. Patients should be advised to sit or lie down if dizziness or weakness occurs and avoid hazardous activities such as driving or operating machinery during symptomatic episodes.

Before initiating treatment, other causes of similar urinary symptoms should be excluded through appropriate examination, including digital rectal examination and, if required, PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) testing at baseline and regular intervals.

✔️ Pregnancy & Lactation

Use of Tamsulosin during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended, as it is not intended for female patients.

✔️ Precautions & Warnings

• Rarely, transient postural symptoms (such as dizziness or fainting) may occur after the first dose.
• Not recommended in patients with a history of micturition syncope.
• Patients should be cautious while driving or operating machinery due to the possibility of dizziness.

✔️ Storage:

Store below 30°C, in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.