Indoramin - an alpha-blocker

About indoramin

Indoramin belongs to a group of medicines known as alpha-blockers. It works by blocking the action of certain nerve impulses. This blocking action is useful in two different medical conditions. It is used to help control the symptoms of prostate gland enlargement, and it also reduces blood pressure in people with high blood pressure (hypertension).

The prostate gland commonly becomes larger in older men. Prostate gland enlargement is also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It can cause problems with passing urine, such as having to wait before your urine starts to flow, taking longer at the toilet, dribbling urine, and a feeling that your bladder is not quite empty. Indoramin works by relaxing the muscles around your bladder and prostate so that you can pass urine more easily.

In people with high blood pressure, indoramin works by relaxing blood vessel walls. This allows blood and oxygen to circulate more freely around your body and lowers your blood pressure.

There are two strengths of indoramin available - 20 mg tablets will be prescribed for men with prostate problems, and 25 mg tablets will be prescribed for people with high blood pressure.

Before taking indoramin

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking indoramin it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.

• If you ever feel dizzy or faint when you stand up, or if you have ever fainted after passing urine.

• If you are due to have cataract eye surgery.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have been told you have heart failure.

• If you have epilepsy or Parkinson's disease, or if you have ever been diagnosed with depression.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take indoramin

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about indoramin and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• When you first start the treatment, your doctor may give you a low dose which will then later be increased. This allows your doctor to make sure that you have the dose that helps your condition and avoids any unwanted symptoms.

• It is usual to take indoramin twice a day. Try to take your doses at the same times of day each day, as this will help you to avoid missing doses.

• Swallow the tablet with a drink of water. You can take indoramin before or after meals.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember (unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose). Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Indoramin can make you feel sleepy, particularly when you first start taking it. Make sure your reactions are normal before you drive and before you use tools or machines.

• You are advised not to drink alcohol while you are on indoramin. Alcohol interferes with how much of the medicine your body absorbs. It can also increase the risk of side-effects such as feeling drowsy.

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.

• If you are having an operation or medical treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking indoramin. This is because your blood pressure may drop suddenly with an anaesthetic. If you are having cataract surgery, it is particularly important that you tell your eye surgeon that you are on indoramin. This is because an eye problem known as 'floppy iris syndrome' has developed in some people taking medicines similar to indoramin, so your doctor may advise that you stop taking it for a short while.

• If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with your other medicines. Some anti-inflammatory painkillers (called NSAIDs) can reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect of indoramin.

Can indoramin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with indoramin. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store indoramin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines