Bazetham MR (tamsulosin)

How does it work?

Bazetham MR capsules contain the active ingredient tamsulosin hydrochloride, which is a type of medicine called an alpha blocker. It works by blocking alpha receptors that are found in the muscle in the prostate gland.

The prostate gland, which is found only in men, lies at the top of the tube connecting the bladder to the outside (urethra). The prostate gland often enlarges with advancing age (benign prostatic hyperplasia), pressing on the urethra and obstructing the flow of urine from the bladder. This can cause various urinary symptoms, such as difficulty passing urine.

Tamsulosin blocks alpha receptors in the muscle of the prostate gland, which causes the muscle in the prostate to relax. This allows urine to flow freely past the prostate and relieves the urinary symptoms.

Bazetham MR are modified release capsules. They are designed to release the tamsulosin gradually as they pass through the stomach and intestine, so that a steady amount of medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream throughout the day. The capsules are taken once a day, preferably after breakfast. The capsules must be swallowed whole and not chewed, broken or crushed, as this would stop the modifed release action from working.

What is it used for?

Enlarged prostate gland .

Warning!

This medicine may cause dizziness, light-headedness and on rare occasions fainting. Take care when moving from a lying down or sitting position to sitting or standing, particularly if you wake up in the night, until you know how this medicine affects you. If you feel dizzy or light-headed at any time during treatment, sit or lie down until the symptoms pass.

This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision and so may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

This medicine does not cause prostate cancer, but prostate cancer can be another cause of an enlarged prostate gland. For this reason, tests for prostate cancer should be carried out before you start treatment with this medicine, and at regular intervals thereafter. One test that can be carried out is a digital rectal examination (DRE). The other is to measure the level of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the blood.

If you are scheduled to have eye surgery for cataracts it is important to let your eye specialist know if you are or have been taking this medicine. This is because tamsulosin can make your pupil dilate poorly and the iris (the coloured circular part of the eye) become floppy during the procedure. The specialist needs to know if you have been taking this medicine so they can take appropriate precautions with the medicines and techniques they use during the surgery. You may be asked to stop taking this medicine for a period of time before cataract surgery. Check with your doctor.

Use with caution in

Severely decreased kidney function.

Not to be used in

History of drops in blood pressure when moving from a sitting or lying position to standing, which causes dizziness (postural hypotension)

Severely decreased liver function.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Label warnings

This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Dizziness

Headache

Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia)

Abnormal ejaculation

A drop in blood pressure that occurs when going from lying down to sitting or standing, which results in dizziness and lightheadedness (postural hypotension)

Fainting (syncope)

Awareness of your heartbeat (palpitations)

Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea or vomiting

Inflammation of the lining of the nose (rhinitis) causing a blocked or runny nose

Skin reactions such as rash and itch

Drowsiness

Blurred vision

Dry mouth

Swelling due to fluid retention (oedema)

Persistent painful erection of the penis (priapism)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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