Tamsulosin capsules have been switched from prescription only (POM) to pharmacy (P), the MHRA has announced.
The capsules will be available under the brand name Flomax Relief for short-term use by men aged 45 to 75 with symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the progressive enlargement of the prostate gland.
Pharmacists will use a questionnaire to screen patients for lower urinary tract symptoms, and then review patients after two weeks worth of treatment.
They may then be able to supply medicine for a further four weeks or can refer patients to their GP.
Flomax Relief is expected to be available in pharmacies in spring 2010.
The switch would empower men to play a more active role in their own healthcare, according to MHRA director of vigilance and risk management of medicines Dr June Raine.
