Choroidal detachment following the use of tamsulosin (Flomax).
OBJECTIVE
To report choroidal detachment following tamsulosin (Flomax, an alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor antagonist) treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
Chart review, serial examination.


RESULTS
A 65-year-old man underwent uncomplicated cataract extraction and placement of a posterior chamber intraocular lens. The patient subsequently developed three separate episodes of choroidal detachments in the operated eye. Each episode was preceded by treatment with an alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist.


CONCLUSIONS
Tamsulosin may cause adverse ocular effects including recurrent choroidal detachments. alpha(1A) is the dominant alpha-adrenoceptor in the rabbit choroid, and the mechanism for choroidal detachment in this patient could include some effect of antagonists like tamsulosin on these receptors.
Shapiro
Brett L
BL
University of California San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco, California 94143-0730, USA.
Petrovic
Velimir
V
Lee
Scott E
SE
Flach
Allan
A
McCaffery
Sharon
S
O'Brien
Joan M
JM
D058668:Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists; D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000368:Aged; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D015862:Choroid Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000188:drug therapy; D018340:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1; D012008:Recurrence; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000077409:Tamsulosin; D014463:Ultrasonography
C547713:ADRA1A protein, human; D058668:Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists; D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D018340:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1; D013449:Sulfonamides; D000077409:Tamsulosin