4.9 Alpha-1 Antagonists
Tamsulosin is an Alpha-1 antagonist.
Mechanism of Action: Tamsulosin selectively blocks alpha-receptors in the prostate, leading to the relaxation of smooth muscles in the bladder, neck, and prostate, thus improving urine flow and reducing symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).
Indications: Tamsulosin is used to treat BPH.
Nursing Considerations: Avoid using with other alpha-blockers. Tamsulosin is contraindicated with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole. Assess and monitor blood pressure, especially after first dose because tamsulosin may cause orthostatic hypotension.
Side Effects/Adverse Effects: Alpha-1 antagonists may result in hypotension, weakness, and dizziness.
Health Teaching & Health Promotion: Advise clients to change positions slowly because the drug may cause orthostatic blood pressure changes. Additionally, the client should take the medication at the same time each day. The client should follow up with their health care provider to assess the effectiveness of the medication.[1]
Now let’s take a closer look at the medication grid on tamsulosin in Table 4.9.[2]
Table 4.9 Tamsulosin Medication Grid
Class/Subclass |
Prototype/Generic |
Nursing Considerations |
Therapeutic Effects |
Side/Adverse Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha-1 Antagonist | tamsulosin | Avoid using with other alpha-blockers
Assess and monitor orthostatic blood pressure, especially after first dose |
Relaxes smooth muscle in bladder/prostate to improve urine flow | Hypotension, especially after first dose. Advise client to change positions slowly |
- uCentral from Unbound Medicine. https://www.unboundmedicine.com/ucentral ↵
- This work is a derivative of DailyMed by U.S. National Library of Medicine in the Public Domain. ↵
