Revisions made to alpha-blocker prescribing info

Boehringer Ingelheim and the FDA have notified health care professionals of revisions to the precautions and adverse reactions sections of the prescribing information for tamsulosin hydrochloride (Flomax) for the treatment of BPH. A surgical condition termed "intraoperative floppy iris syndrome" has been observed during phacoemulsification cataract surgery in some patients taking alpha-1 blockers, including tamsulosin.

It is recommended that patients being considered for cataract surgery be specifically questioned to ascertain whether they have taken tamsulosin or another alpha-blocker. If so, the patient’s ophthalmologist should be prepared for possible modifications to the surgical technique, should floppy iris syndrome be observed during the procedure.