Urimax D (Tamsulosin HCl/Dutasteride 0.4mg/0.5mg) Tablets

Urimax D general information

What is Urimax D used for?

Urimax D tablets 0.4/0.5mg are a combination medication used to treat moderate to severe functional symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate gland.  Urimax D tablets 0.4/0.5mg relieve the symptoms of urinary retention caused by restricted urine flow as the prostate becomes enlarged and presses against the urethra (urine outlet tube from the bladder), which helps urine to flow more easily, prevents urine backlog in the bladder and restores bladder control.  This relieves symptoms like need for frequent urination, inability to empty the bladder, strain and difficulty passing urine.  The improved urine flow and reduction in symptoms reduces the need for surgery.

How does Urimax D work?

Urimax D tablets 0.4/0.5mg contain a combination of two drugs that are used together to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate gland.  BPH is due to overgrowth of the smooth muscle cells within the prostate gland and increased muscle tone of these cells.  Tamsulosin in Urimax D tablets is an alpha₁-blocker (also known as alpha-adrenergic antagonist), that binds selectively to the alpha adrenergic receptor in smooth muscle of the prostate gland and blocks the action of naturally occurring adrenergic chemicals like noradrenaline which causes smooth muscle cells to contract and tighten.  This action of tamsulosin in Urimax D tablets allows smooth muscle cells in the prostate to relax, which relieves the pressure exerted by the enlarged prostate gland on the urethra (urine outlet tube from the bladder); and also causes muscle cells in the neck of the bladder to relax.  Dutasteride in Urimax D tablets 0.4/0.5mg specifically inhibits the action of both forms (type I and type II) of the enzyme 5α-reductase, that convert the male hormone testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the androgen primarily responsible for development and growth of the prostate gland.  DHT also causes enlargement of the prostate gland in BPH.  Dutasteride in Urimax D tablets 0.4/0.5mg reduces the levels of DHT in the blood, so that prostate growth is no longer stimulated allowing the enlarged prostate to shrink.  The combined action of tamsulosin and dutasteride in Urimax D tablets 0.4/0.5mg removes the blockage to urine flow caused by the enlarged prostate gland and allows urine to flow more freely through the urethra and also relaxes the bladder neck, allowing urine to pass out of the bladder more easily.  Urimax D tablets 0.4/0.5mg are formulated for modified release, which means that the rate of absorption of the active ingredient tamsulosin into your blood is controlled and you need only take one tablet a day.

What does Urimax D contain?

Urimax D tablets contain a combination of the active ingredients tamsulosin 0.4mg and dutasteride 0.5mg that are used together to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate gland. 

Treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia with Urimax D

Urimax D tablets 0.4/0.5mg are a combination medication that is used to treat moderate to severe functional symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate gland.  BPH is due to overgrowth of the smooth muscle cells within the prostate gland and increased muscle tone of these cells.  Tamsulosin in Urimax D tablets is an alpha₁-blocker that binds selectively to the alpha adrenergic receptor in smooth muscle of the prostate gland and blocks the action of naturally occurring adrenergic chemicals like noradrenaline which causes smooth muscle cells to contract and tighten.  This action of tamsulosin in Urimax D tablets allows smooth muscle cells in the prostate to relax, which relieves the pressure exerted by the enlarged prostate gland on the urethra (urine outlet tube from the bladder); and also causes muscle cells in the neck of the bladder to relax.  Dutasteride in Urimax D tablets 0.4/0.5mg specifically inhibits the action of both forms (type I and type II) of the enzyme 5α-reductase, that convert the male hormone testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the androgen primarily responsible for development and growth of the prostate gland, and also causes enlargement of the prostate gland in BPH.  Dutasteride in Urimax D tablets 0.4/0.5mg reduces the levels of DHT in the blood, so that prostate growth is no longer stimulated allowing the enlarged prostate to shrink.  The combined action of tamsulosin and dutasteride in Urimax D tablets 0.4/0.5mg removes the blockage to urine flow caused by the enlarged prostate gland and allows urine to flow more freely through the urethra and also relaxes the bladder neck, allowing urine to pass out of the bladder more easily. 

What are the side effects of Urimax D?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Urimax D tablets 0.4/0.5mg include dizziness, headache, abnormal ejaculation, impotence, low libido, postural hypotension (dizziness on standing) and palpitations, breast tenderness and enlargement (gynecomastia).  A less common side effect is a persistent painful erection which should be reported to your doctor.

When should Urimax D not be used?

You should not use Urimax D tablets 0.4/0.5mg if you:

• are allergic to tamsulosin or dutasteride or any ingredients in Urimax D
• a woman, Urimax D is not intended for use by women and can be harmful to an unborn child
• have kidney or liver disease
• have a history of orthostatic hypotension (dizziness, weakness)
• are taking medicines that interact with Urimax D other alpha-blockers that relaxes smooth muscle, the antiinflammatory diclofenac, the anticoagulant warfarin, cimetidine for stomach ulcers, verapamil or diltiazem (for high blood pressure), ritonavir or indinavir (for HIV), itraconazole or ketaconazole (for fungal infections) nefazodone (an antidepressant)

What medications interact with Urimax D?

Several medications interact with Urimax D tablets 0.4/0.5mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Urimax D or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that cause a serious reaction or increase side effects with Urimax D: alpha-blockers that relaxes smooth muscle,
• Drugs that affect Urimax D: the antiinflammatory diclofenac, the anticoagulant warfarin, cimetidine for stomach ulcers
• Drugs that are affected by Urimax D: verapamil or diltiazem (for high blood pressure), ritonavir or indinavir (for HIV), itraconazole or ketaconazole (for fungal infections) nefazodone (an antidepressant)

How should Urimax D be taken?

You should take your Urimax D tablets 0.4/0.5mg swallowed whole with a glass of water, once daily with or without food and at the same time each day.  If your symptoms have not improved within 2-4 weeks your doctor may increase you dose.  You should continue to take your Urimax D tablets 0.4/0.5mg for as long as recommended by your doctor. 

How long should you take Urimax D?

You should continue to take your Urimax D tablets 0.4/0.5mg for as long as recommended by your doctor. 

Missed dose of Urimax D

If you miss a dose of Urimax D tablets 0.4/0.5mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Urimax D be stored?

You should store your Urimax D tablets 0.4/0.5mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.