Lannatam (Tamsulosin Hydrochloride)

Lannatam (tamsulosin) belongs to the alpha‑1 adrenergic antagonist class and is used to manage conditions related to prostate enlargement.

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia: relieves urinary obstruction and improves flow rates.
• Lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH: reduces urgency, frequency and nocturia.
• Urinary retention caused by BPH: facilitates bladder emptying and decreases the need for catheterisation.

• Tamsulosin selectively blocks alpha‑1A adrenergic receptors located in the smooth muscle of the prostate and bladder neck. This antagonism reduces muscle tone, leading to relaxation of the prostate and bladder neck, which enhances urinary outflow and alleviates obstruction associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Lannatam may cause a range of adverse reactions, most of which are mild and transient.

Common Side Effects

• Dizziness: feeling light‑headed, especially when standing quickly.
• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Abnormal ejaculation: reduced volume or retrograde flow.
• Nasal congestion: stuffy or runny nose.
• Orthostatic hypotension: drop in blood pressure upon standing.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure requiring medical attention.
• Syncope: fainting episodes.
• Priapism: prolonged, painful erection.
• Allergic reactions: rash, itching, swelling or anaphylaxis.
• Intra‑operative floppy iris syndrome: potential complication during eye surgery.

Before initiating therapy with Lannatam, certain safety considerations should be reviewed.

• Renal impairment: use with caution and monitor renal function.
• Hepatic impairment: dose adjustment may be required in severe liver disease.
• Hypotension: assess baseline blood pressure and monitor for orthostatic changes.
• Surgery: inform the surgeon of tamsulosin use, especially for eye procedures.
• Drug interactions: review concomitant medications for additive hypotensive effects.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C in the original packaging, protected from moisture and light.

Lannatam can interact with several medicines, influencing its safety and efficacy.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin): may increase tamsulosin plasma levels.
• CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine): can alter metabolism and raise exposure.
• Other alpha‑blockers (e.g., prazosin): additive hypotensive effect.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely):\n- Diuretics: heightened risk of orthostatic hypotension.

• Antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs): monitor blood pressure for excessive lowering.
• Warfarin: occasional reports of altered INR; regular coagulation monitoring advised.