Tamsulosin hydrochloride 0.4 MG Oral Capsule

Generic Name: TAMSULOSIN HYDROCHLORIDE
Brand Name: FLOMAX
  • Substance Name(s):
  • TAMSULOSIN HYDROCHLORIDE

DRUG INTERACTIONS

7 FLOMAX capsules 0.4 mg should not be used with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole). FLOMAX capsules should be used with caution in combination with moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., erythromycin), in combination with strong (e.g., paroxetine) or moderate (e.g., terbinafine) inhibitors of CYP2D6, or in patients known to be CYP2D6 poor metabolizers, particularly at a dose higher than 0.4 mg (e.g., 0.8 mg). (5.2, 7.1, 12.3) Concomitant use of PDE5 inhibitors with tamsulosin can potentially cause symptomatic hypotension (5.2, 7.3, 12.3) 7.1 Cytochrome P450 Inhibition Strong and Moderate Inhibitors of CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 Tamsulosin is extensively metabolized, mainly by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. Concomitant treatment with ketoconazole (a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4) resulted in an increase in the Cmax and AUC of tamsulosin by a factor of 2.2 and 2.8, respectively [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. The effects of concomitant administration of a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor (e.g., erythromycin) on the pharmacokinetics of FLOMAX have not been evaluated [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Concomitant treatment with paroxetine (a strong inhibitor of CYP2D6) resulted in an increase in the Cmax and AUC of tamsulosin by a factor of 1.3 and 1.6, respectively [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. A similar increase in exposure is expected in CYP2D6 poor metabolizers (PM) as compared to extensive metabolizers (EM). Since CYP2D6 PMs cannot be readily identified and the potential for significant increase in tamsulosin exposure exists when FLOMAX 0.4 mg is co-administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors in CYP2D6 PMs, FLOMAX 0.4 mg capsules should not be used in combination with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole) [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. The effects of concomitant administration of a moderate CYP2D6 inhibitor (e.g., terbinafine) on the pharmacokinetics of FLOMAX have not been evaluated [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. The effects of co-administration of both a CYP3A4 and a CYP2D6 inhibitor with FLOMAX capsules have not been evaluated. However, there is a potential for significant increase in tamsulosin exposure when FLOMAX 0.4 mg is co-administered with a combination of both CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibitors [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Cimetidine Treatment with cimetidine resulted in a significant decrease (26%) in the clearance of tamsulosin hydrochloride, which resulted in a moderate increase in tamsulosin hydrochloride AUC (44%) [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.2 Other Alpha Adrenergic Blocking Agents The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between FLOMAX capsules and other alpha adrenergic blocking agents have not been determined; however, interactions between FLOMAX capsules and other alpha adrenergic blocking agents may be expected [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.3 PDE5 Inhibitors Caution is advised when alpha adrenergic blocking agents including FLOMAX are co-administered with PDE5 inhibitors. Alpha-adrenergic blockers and PDE5 inhibitors are both vasodilators that can lower blood pressure. Concomitant use of these two drug classes can potentially cause symptomatic hypotension [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.4 Warfarin A definitive drug-drug interaction study between tamsulosin hydrochloride and warfarin was not conducted. Results from limited in vitro and in vivo studies are inconclusive. Caution should be exercised with concomitant administration of warfarin and FLOMAX capsules [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.5 Nifedipine, Atenolol, Enalapril Dosage adjustments are not necessary when FLOMAX capsules are administered concomitantly with nifedipine, atenolol, or enalapril [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.6 Digoxin and Theophylline Dosage adjustments are not necessary when a FLOMAX capsule is administered concomitantly with digoxin or theophylline [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.7 Furosemide FLOMAX capsules had no effect on the pharmacodynamics (excretion of electrolytes) of furosemide. While furosemide produced an 11% to 12% reduction in tamsulosin hydrochloride Cmax and AUC, these changes are expected to be clinically insignificant and do not require adjustment of the FLOMAX capsules dosage [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].

OVERDOSAGE

10 Should overdosage of FLOMAX capsules lead to hypotension [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions (6.1) ], support of the cardiovascular system is of first importance. Restoration of blood pressure and normalization of heart rate may be accomplished by keeping the patient in the supine position. If this measure is inadequate, then administration of intravenous fluids should be considered. If necessary, vasopressors should then be used and renal function should be monitored and supported as needed. Laboratory data indicate that tamsulosin hydrochloride is 94% to 99% protein bound; therefore, dialysis is unlikely to be of benefit.

DESCRIPTION

11 Tamsulosin hydrochloride is an antagonist of alpha1A adrenoceptors in the prostate. Tamsulosin hydrochloride is (-)-( R )-5-[2-[[2-( o -Ethoxyphenoxy) ethyl]amino]propyl]-2-methoxybenzenesulfonamide, monohydrochloride. Tamsulosin hydrochloride is a white crystalline powder that melts with decomposition at approximately 230°C. It is sparingly soluble in water and methanol, slightly soluble in glacial acetic acid and ethanol, and practically insoluble in ether. The empirical formula of tamsulosin hydrochloride is C20H28N2O5S • HCl. The molecular weight of tamsulosin hydrochloride is 444.98. Its structural formula is: Each FLOMAX capsule for oral administration contains tamsulosin hydrochloride 0.4 mg, and the following inactive ingredients: methacrylic acid copolymer dispersion, NF; microcrystalline cellulose, NF; triacetin, USP; calcium stearate, NF; talc, USP; FD&C blue No. 2; titanium dioxide; ferric oxide; gelatin, and trace amounts of black edible ink. Flomax Structure

CLINICAL STUDIES

14 Four placebo-controlled clinical studies and one active-controlled clinical study enrolled a total of 2296 patients (1003 received FLOMAX capsules 0.4 mg once daily, 491 received FLOMAX capsules 0.8 mg once daily, and 802 were control patients) in the U.S. and Europe. In the two U.S. placebo-controlled, double-blind, 13-week, multicenter studies [Study 1 (US92-03A) and Study 2 (US93-01)], 1486 men with the signs and symptoms of BPH were enrolled. In both studies, patients were randomized to either placebo, FLOMAX capsules 0.4 mg once daily, or FLOMAX capsules 0.8 mg once daily. Patients in FLOMAX capsules 0.8 mg once-daily treatment groups received a dose of 0.4 mg once daily for one week before increasing to the 0.8 mg once-daily dose. The primary efficacy assessments included: 1) total American Urological Association (AUA) Symptom Score questionnaire, which evaluated irritative (frequency, urgency, and nocturia), and obstructive (hesitancy, incomplete emptying, intermittency, and weak stream) symptoms, where a decrease in score is consistent with improvement in symptoms; and 2) peak urine flow rate, where an increased peak urine flow rate value over baseline is consistent with decreased urinary obstruction. Mean changes from baseline to Week 13 in total AUA Symptom Score were significantly greater for groups treated with FLOMAX capsules 0.4 mg and 0.8 mg once daily compared to placebo in both U.S. studies (Table 3, Figures 2A and 2B). The changes from baseline to Week 13 in peak urine flow rate were also significantly greater for the FLOMAX capsules 0.4 mg and 0.8 mg once-daily groups compared to placebo in Study 1, and for the FLOMAX capsules 0.8 mg once-daily group in Study 2 (Table 3, Figures 3A and 3B). Overall there were no significant differences in improvement observed in total AUA Symptom Scores or peak urine flow rates between the 0.4 mg and the 0.8 mg dose groups with the exception that the 0.8 mg dose in Study 1 had a significantly greater improvement in total AUA Symptom Score compared to the 0.4 mg dose. Table 3 Mean (±S.D.) Changes from Baseline to Week 13 in Total AUA Symptom Score** and Peak Urine Flow Rate (mL/sec) Total AUA Symptom Score Peak Urine Flow Rate Mean Baseline Value Mean Change Mean Baseline Value Mean Change * Statistically significant difference from placebo (p-value ≤0.050; Bonferroni-Holm multiple test procedure). ** Total AUA Symptom Scores ranged from 0 to 35. † Peak urine flow rate measured 4 to 8 hours post dose at Week 13. ‡ Peak urine flow rate measured 24 to 27 hours post dose at Week 13. Week 13: For patients not completing the 13-week study, the last observation was carried forward. Study 1 † FLOMAX capsules 0.8 mg once daily 19.9 ± 4.9 n=247 -9.6* ± 6.7 n=237 9.57 ± 2.51 n=247 1.78* ± 3.35 n=247 FLOMAX capsules 0.4 mg once daily 19.8 ± 5.0 n=254 -8.3* ± 6.5 n=246 9.46 ± 2.49 n=254 1.75* ± 3.57 n=254 Placebo 19.6 ± 4.9 n=254 -5.5 ± 6.6 n=246 9.75 ± 2.54 n=254 0.52 ± 3.39 n=253 Study 2 ‡ FLOMAX capsules 0.8 mg once daily 18.2 ± 5.6 n=244 -5.8* ± 6.4 n=238 9.96 ± 3.16 n=244 1.79* ± 3.36 n=237 FLOMAX capsules 0.4 mg once daily 17.9 ± 5.8 n=248 -5.1* ± 6.4 n=244 9.94 ± 3.14 n=248 1.52 ± 3.64 n=244 Placebo 19.2 ± 6.0 n=239 -3.6 ± 5.7 n=235 9.95 ± 3.12 n=239 0.93 ± 3.28 n=235 Mean total AUA Symptom Scores for both FLOMAX capsules 0.4 mg and 0.8 mg once-daily groups showed a rapid decrease starting at 1 week after dosing and remained decreased through 13 weeks in both studies (Figures 2A and 2B). In Study 1, 400 patients (53% of the originally randomized group) elected to continue in their originally assigned treatment groups in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 40-week extension trial (138 patients on 0.4 mg, 135 patients on 0.8 mg, and 127 patients on placebo). Three hundred twenty-three patients (43% of the originally randomized group) completed one year. Of these, 81% (97 patients) on 0.4 mg, 74% (75 patients) on 0.8 mg, and 56% (57 patients) on placebo had a response ≥25% above baseline in total AUA Symptom Score at one year. Figure 2A Mean Change from Baseline in Total AUA Symptom Score (0-35) Study 1 * indicates significant difference from placebo (p-value ≤0.050). B = Baseline determined approximately one week prior to the initial dose of double-blind medication at Week 0. Subsequent values are observed cases. LOCF = Last observation carried forward for patients not completing the 13-week study. Note: Patients in the 0.8 mg treatment group received 0.4 mg for the first week. Note: Total AUA Symptom Scores range from 0 to 35. Figure 2B Mean Change from Baseline in Total AUA Symptom Score (0-35) Study 2 * indicates significant difference from placebo (p-value ≤0.050). Baseline measurement was taken Week 0. Subsequent values are observed cases. LOCF = Last observation carried forward for patients not completing the 13-week study. Note: Patients in the 0.8 mg treatment group received 0.4 mg for the first week. Note: Total AUA Symptom Scores range from 0 to 35. Figure 3A Mean Increase in Peak Urine Flow Rate (mL/Sec) Study 1 * indicates significant difference from placebo (p-value ≤0.050). B = Baseline determined approximately one week prior to the initial dose of double-blind medication at Week 0. Subsequent values are observed cases. LOCF = Last observation carried forward for patients not completing the 13-week study. Note: The uroflowmetry assessments at Week 0 were recorded 4 to 8 hours after patients received the first dose of double-blind medication. Measurements at each visit were scheduled 4 to 8 hours after dosing (approximate peak plasma tamsulosin concentration). Note: Patients in the 0.8 mg treatment groups received 0.4 mg for the first week. Figure 3B Mean Increase in Peak Urine Flow Rate (mL/Sec) Study 2 * indicates significant difference from placebo (p-value ≤0.050). Baseline measurement was taken Week 0. Subsequent values are observed cases. LOCF = Last observation carried forward for patients not completing the 13-week study. Note: Patients in the 0.8 mg treatment group received 0.4 mg for the first week. Note: Week 1 and Week 2 measurements were scheduled 4 to 8 hours after dosing (approximate peak plasma tamsulosin concentration). All other visits were scheduled 24 to 27 hours after dosing (approximate trough tamsulosin concentration). Figure 2a Figure 2b Figure 3a Figure 3b

HOW SUPPLIED

16 /STORAGE AND HANDLING FLOMAX capsules 0.4 mg are supplied in high density polyethylene bottles containing 100 hard gelatin capsules with olive green opaque cap and orange opaque body. The capsules are imprinted on one side with Flomax 0.4 mg and on the other side with BI 58. FLOMAX capsules 0.4 mg, 100 capsules (NDC 0597-0058-01) Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C–30°C (59°F–86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Keep FLOMAX capsules and all medicines out of reach of children.

RECENT MAJOR CHANGES

Dosage and Administration (2) 4/2009 Contraindications (4) 12/2009 Warnings and Precautions Drug Interactions (5.2) 12/2009 Screening for Prostate Cancer (5.4) 12/2009

GERIATRIC USE

8.5 Geriatric Use Of the total number of subjects (1783) in clinical studies of tamsulosin, 36% were 65 years of age and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and the other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].

DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

3 Capsule: 0.4 mg, olive green and orange hard gelatin, imprinted on one side with Flomax 0.4 mg and on the other side with BI 58 Capsules: 0.4 mg (3)

MECHANISM OF ACTION

12.1 Mechanism of Action The symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are related to bladder outlet obstruction, which is comprised of two underlying components: static and dynamic. The static component is related to an increase in prostate size caused, in part, by a proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the prostatic stroma. However, the severity of BPH symptoms and the degree of urethral obstruction do not correlate well with the size of the prostate. The dynamic component is a function of an increase in smooth muscle tone in the prostate and bladder neck leading to constriction of the bladder outlet. Smooth muscle tone is mediated by the sympathetic nervous stimulation of alpha1 adrenoceptors, which are abundant in the prostate, prostatic capsule, prostatic urethra, and bladder neck. Blockade of these adrenoceptors can cause smooth muscles in the bladder neck and prostate to relax, resulting in an improvement in urine flow rate and a reduction in symptoms of BPH. Tamsulosin, an alpha1 adrenoceptor blocking agent, exhibits selectivity for alpha1 receptors in the human prostate. At least three discrete alpha1 adrenoceptor subtypes have been identified: alpha1A, alpha1B, and alpha1D; their distribution differs between human organs and tissue. Approximately 70% of the alpha1 receptors in the human prostate are of the alpha1A subtype. FLOMAX capsules are not intended for use as an antihypertensive drug.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

1 Flomax® (tamsulosin hydrochloride) capsules are indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) [ see Clinical Studies (14) ]. FLOMAX capsules are not indicated for the treatment of hypertension. FLOMAX is an alpha1 adrenoceptor antagonist indicated for treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (1) FLOMAX capsules are not indicated for the treatment of hypertension (1)

PEDIATRIC USE

8.4 Pediatric Use FLOMAX capsules are not indicated for use in pediatric populations. Efficacy and positive benefit/risk of tamsulosin hydrochloride was not demonstrated in two studies conducted in patients 2 years to 16 years of age with elevated detrusor leak point pressure (>40 cm H2O) associated with known neurological disorder (e.g., spina bifida). Patients in both studies were treated on a weight-based mg/kg schema (0.025 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.2 mg, or 0.4 mg tamsulosin hydrochloride) for the reduction in detrusor leak point pressure below 40 cm H2O. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 14-week, pharmacokinetic, safety and efficacy study in 161 patients, no statistically significant difference in the proportion of responders was observed between groups receiving tamsulosin hydrochloride and placebo. In an open-label, 12-month safety study, 87 patients were treated with tamsulosin hydrochloride. The most frequently reported adverse events (≥5%) from the pooled data of both studies were urinary tract infection, vomiting, pyrexia, headache, nasopharyngitis, cough, pharyngitis, influenza, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation.

PREGNANCY

8.1 Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects, Pregnancy Category B. Administration of tamsulosin hydrochloride to pregnant female rats at dose levels up to approximately 50 times the human therapeutic AUC exposure (300 mg/kg/day) revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus. Administration of tamsulosin hydrochloride to pregnant rabbits at dose levels up to 50 mg/kg/day produced no evidence of fetal harm. FLOMAX capsules are not indicated for use in women.

NUSRING MOTHERS

8.3 Nursing Mothers FLOMAX capsules are not indicated for use in women.

WARNING AND CAUTIONS

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Advise patients about the possibility of symptoms related to postural hypotension and to avoid situations where injury could result should syncope occur (5.1) Should not be used in combination with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4. Use with caution in combination with moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4, with strong or moderate inhibitors of CYP2D6, in patients known to be CYP2D6 poor metabolizers, or in combination with other cytochrome P450 inhibitors. (5.2, 7.1, 12.3) Should not be used in combination with other alpha adrenergic blocking agents (5.2, 7.2, 12.3) Exercise caution with concomitant administration of warfarin (5.2, 7.4, 12.3) Advise patients about the possibility and seriousness of priapism (5.3) Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome has been observed during cataract surgery in some patients. Advise patients considering cataract surgery to tell their ophthalmologist that they have taken FLOMAX capsules. (5.5) Advise patients to be screened for the presence of prostate cancer prior to treatment and at regular intervals afterwards (5.4) 5.1 Orthostasis The signs and symptoms of orthostasis (postural hypotension, dizziness, and vertigo) were detected more frequently in FLOMAX capsule-treated patients than in placebo recipients. As with other alpha adrenergic blocking agents there is a potential risk of syncope [ see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. Patients beginning treatment with FLOMAX capsules should be cautioned to avoid situations in which injury could result should syncope occur [ see Patient Counseling Information (17.1) ]. 5.2 Drug Interactions Tamsulosin is extensively metabolized, mainly by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. FLOMAX capsules 0.4 mg should not be used in combination with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole) [ see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. FLOMAX capsules should be used with caution in combination with moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., erythromycin), in combination with strong (e.g., paroxetine) or moderate (e.g., terbinafine) inhibitors of CYP2D6, in patients known to be CYP2D6 poor metabolizers particularly at a dose higher than 0.4 mg (e.g., 0.8 mg) [ see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. FLOMAX capsules should be used with caution in combination with cimetidine, particularly at a dose higher than 0.4 mg (e.g., 0.8 mg) [ see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. FLOMAX capsules should not be used in combination with other alpha adrenergic blocking agents [ see Drug Interactions (7.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Caution is advised when alpha adrenergic blocking agents including FLOMAX are co-administered with PDE5 inhibitors. Alpha-adrenergic blockers and PDE5 inhibitors are both vasodilators that can lower blood pressure. Concomitant use of these two drug classes can potentially cause symptomatic hypotension [ see Drug Interactions (7.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Caution should be exercised with concomitant administration of warfarin and FLOMAX capsules [ see Drug Interactions (7.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 5.3 Priapism Rarely (probably less than 1 in 50,000 patients), tamsulosin, like other alpha1 antagonists, has been associated with priapism (persistent painful penile erection unrelated to sexual activity). Because this condition can lead to permanent impotence if not properly treated, patients must be advised about the seriousness of the condition [ see Patient Counseling Information (17.2) ]. 5.4 Screening for Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer and BPH frequently co-exist; therefore, patients should be screened for the presence of prostate cancer prior to treatment with FLOMAX capsules and at regular intervals afterwards [ see Patient Counseling Information (17.3) ]. 5.5 Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS) has been observed during cataract surgery in some patients treated with alpha1 blockers, including FLOMAX capsules [ see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. Most reports were in patients taking the alpha1 blocker when IFIS occurred, but in some cases, the alpha1 blocker had been stopped prior to surgery. In most of these cases, the alpha1 blocker had been stopped recently prior to surgery (2 to 14 days), but in a few cases, IFIS was reported after the patient had been off the alpha1 blocker for a longer period (5 weeks to 9 months). IFIS is a variant of small pupil syndrome and is characterized by the combination of a flaccid iris that billows in response to intraoperative irrigation currents, progressive intraoperative miosis despite preoperative dilation with standard mydriatic drugs and potential prolapse of the iris toward the phacoemulsification incisions. The patient’s ophthalmologist should be prepared for possible modifications to their surgical technique, such as the utilization of iris hooks, iris dilator rings, or viscoelastic substances. The benefit of stopping alpha1 blocker therapy prior to cataract surgery has not been established. 5.6 Sulfa Allergy In patients with sulfa allergy, allergic reaction to FLOMAX capsules has been rarely reported. If a patient reports a serious or life-threatening sulfa allergy, caution is warranted when administering FLOMAX capsules.

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION See FDA-Approved Patient Labeling (17.6). 17.1 Hypotension Patients should be told about the possible occurrence of symptoms related to postural hypotension, such as dizziness, when taking FLOMAX capsules, and they should be cautioned about driving, operating machinery, or performing hazardous tasks [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. 17.2 Priapism Patients should be advised about the possibility of priapism as a result of treatment with FLOMAX capsules and other similar medications. Patients should be informed that this reaction is extremely rare, but if not brought to immediate medical attention, can lead to permanent erectile dysfunction (impotence) [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. 17.3 Screening for Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer and BPH frequently co-exist; therefore, patients should be screened for the presence of prostate cancer prior to treatment with FLOMAX capsules and at regular intervals afterwards [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. 17.4 Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome Patients considering cataract surgery should be advised to tell their ophthalmologist that they have taken FLOMAX capsules [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]. 17.5 Administration Patients should be advised not to crush or chew the FLOMAX capsules. 17.6 FDA-approved Patient Labeling Patient labeling is provided as a tear-off leaflet at the end of this prescribing information.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

2 FLOMAX capsules 0.4 mg once daily is recommended as the dose for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH. It should be administered approximately one-half hour following the same meal each day. For those patients who fail to respond to the 0.4 mg dose after 2 to 4 weeks of dosing, the dose of FLOMAX capsules can be increased to 0.8 mg once daily. FLOMAX capsules 0.4 mg should not be used in combination with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole) [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. If FLOMAX capsules administration is discontinued or interrupted for several days at either the 0.4 mg or 0.8 mg dose, therapy should be started again with the 0.4 mg once-daily dose. 0.4 mg once daily taken approximately one-half hour following the same meal each day (2) Can be increased to 0.8 mg once daily for patients who fail to respond to the 0.4 mg dose after 2 to 4 weeks of dosing (2) If discontinued or interrupted for several days, therapy should start again with the 0.4 mg once-daily dose (2)