Tamsulosin Hydrochloride

Tamsulosin hydrochloride In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist with selectivity for the urinary tract; relaxes smooth muscle in the prostate, urethra and bladder neck aiding urine flow.
• Longer-acting than prazosin or phenoxybenzamine.

Uses of Tamsulosin hydrochloride 

• Reflex dyssynergia/urethral spasm. May also aid the passage of urethroliths/ureteroliths.
• An alternative to prazosin or phenoxybenzamine in refractory cases of reflex dyssynergia, with less effect on systemic blood pressure.

Dose of Tamsulosin hydrochloride in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• Urethral relaxant: 10 μg (micrograms)/kg p.o. q24h (up to 0.4 mg/dog q24h), can increase to q12h if necessary.
• Capsules should not be split and compounding may be required.

Cats:

• (Limited clinical experience or safety data exists.)
• Urethral relaxant: 4–6 μg (micrograms)/kg p.o. q12–24h.

Side Effects of Tamsulosin hydrochloride in Dogs and Cats

• Hypotension is possible (especially at high doses).

Contraindications of Tamsulosin hydrochloride in Dogs and Cats

• No information is available.

Some Notes:

• Concurrent use of other alpha-1 blockers (e.g. prazosin) or sildenafil may exacerbate hypotensive effects.