Flomax and Alcohol/Food Interactions
There are 2 alcohol/food/lifestyle interactions with Flomax (tamsulosin).
Alcohol (Ethanol) Tamsulosin
Moderate Drug Interaction
GENERALLY AVOID: The concurrent use of ethanol and alpha-1 adrenergic blockers may cause increased hypotensive effects. Patients with aldehyde dehydrogenase deficiencies (primarily Asians) may be at a higher risk of this interaction. The mechanism has not been determined. Data exist for prazosin and other alpha adrenergic blockers are expected to interact also. In addition, any patients taking alpha adrenergic blockers may experience excessive orthostatic hypotension with ethanol ingestion, due to ethanol's unopposed vasodilatory effects in the presence of alpha adrenergic blockade.
MANAGEMENT: Patients who develop a flushing reaction after ethanol ingestion (indicates a possible aldehyde dehydrogenase deficiency) should be advised to avoid ethanol or limit their intake. All patients should be warned about the possibility of orthostatic hypotension with concurrent ethanol use.
References
- Kawano Y, Abe H, Kojima S, Takishita S, Omae T (2000) "Interaction of alcohol and an a1-blocker on ambulatory blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension." Am J Hypertens, 13, p. 307-12
- (2002) "Product Information. Xatral (alfuzosin)." Sanofi-Synthelabo Canada Inc
Tamsulosin Food
Moderate Food Interaction
ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may delay the gastrointestinal absorption of tamsulosin. The time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) is reached by 4 to 5 hours under fasted conditions and by 6 to 7 hours when tamsulosin is administered with food. The delay in Tmax has the desirable effect of smoothing the tamsulosin plasma concentration profile, thereby reducing fluctuation of the plasma peak and trough concentrations with multiple dosing. Food may also affect the extent of absorption of tamsulosin. It has been reported that taking tamsulosin under fasted conditions results in a 30% increase in bioavailability (AUC) and 40% to 70% increase in peak plasma concentration (Cmax) compared to fed conditions. The effects of food on the pharmacokinetics of tamsulosin are consistent regardless of whether tamsulosin is taken with a light meal or a high-fat meal.
MANAGEMENT: To ensure uniformity of absorption, tamsulosin should be administered approximately one-half hour following the same meal each day.
References
- (2001) "Product Information. Flomax (tamsulosin)." Boehringer-Ingelheim
Flomax drug interactions
There are 302 drug interactions with Flomax (tamsulosin).
Flomax disease interactions
There are 4 disease interactions with Flomax (tamsulosin) which include:
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Drug Interaction Classification
Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan. | |
No interaction information available. |
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.