Uses
Tamsulosin is used for what?
Tamsulosin is widely prescribed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition in which the prostate gland enlarges but is not malignant. When the prostate grows larger than normal, it pinches the urethra. This may cause problems with your bladder muscles and urine.
Tamsulosin treats the following BPH symptoms.
Frequent or urgent need to urinate
Waking awake overnight to pee.
Trouble getting your urine flow to start or stop.
Urine stream that is weak, dribbles, or stops
Feeling like your bladder isn't empty after peeing
Tamsulosin may also be used to treat other conditions as assessed by your healthcare provider.
What is the mechanism of action for tamsulosin?
Tamsulosin is an alpha-blocker. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles in your prostate and bladder. This makes it easier to pee and increases the flow of urine.
Tamsulosin is given in many dose forms.
Brand and other names
Flomax
Dosage types and strengths
0.4 mg oral pill.
How should I keep tamsulosin?
Tamsulosin should be stored at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (20 and 25 degrees Celsius). It can withstand temperatures ranging from 59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 30 degrees Celsius) for brief periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry area.
Side Effects
What are Tamsulosin's most prevalent adverse effects?
Tamsulosin's most often reported side effects are mentioned below. Inform your healthcare practitioner if any of these adverse effects annoy you.
Dizziness
runny or stuffy nose
Reduced sperm count or other ejaculatory issues
Headache
Infection, such as colds.
Feeling abnormally weak or exhausted.
Diarrhea
Back ache.
Cough
Drowsiness
Problems sleeping
Tamsulosin may cause other adverse effects that have not been listed here. If you believe you are experiencing a side effect from a medication, contact your healthcare provider.
What are the significant adverse effects of Tamsulosin?
While less prevalent, the most dangerous tamsulosin side effects are listed here, along with what to do if they occur.
Low blood pressure while standing. Tamsulosin might induce a fast drop in blood pressure when getting up from a seated or laying posture. This side effect occurs more frequently after the first dose of tamsulosin and after dose adjustments. To avoid injury, don't get up too hastily. If you become dizzy, sit or lie down immediately until the dizziness subsides, then take your time getting up again. If you experience any of the symptoms listed below, please notify your doctor.
Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting when standing.
Blurred vision
Confusion
Feeling weak.
Painful and prolonged erection (Priapism). Tamsulosin may create an undesired erection that is long-lasting, painful, and occurs without sexual stimulation. Priapism can cause lasting damage to the penis. If you have any of the priapism symptoms listed below, stop taking tamsulosin immediately and seek emergency medical attention.
Erection lasts more than 4 hours.
Erection that is not related to sexual stimulation.
Painful or sensitive penis
Severe allergic reactions. Tamsulosin may produce allergic reactions that are severe. If you have any of the following signs of a serious allergic reaction while using tamsulosin, stop taking it immediately and seek medical attention.
breathing issues or wheezing.
A racing heart
Fever or general sick feeling.
Swollen lymph nodes.
Swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat.
Difficulty swallowing or throat tightness
itching or skin rash
Hives are bumps on the skin that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone.
Nausea or vomiting.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
Stomach cramps.
Joint discomfort.
Warnings and Precautions
Who shouldn't use Tamsulosin?
Allergies to ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should avoid taking tamsulosin.
Flomax
Tamsulosin
Any of the ingredients in the particular product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all about the ingredients in the tamsulosin medications they carry.
What should I know about tamsulosin prior to using it?
Tamsulosin should not be taken unless prescribed by a healthcare physician. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share tamsulosin with anyone, even if they have the same illness as you. It may cause them harm.
Tamsulosin may produce dizziness. Do not drive or engage in other tasks that require coordination until you have determined how tamsulosin affects you.
Keep tamsulosin out of reach of youngsters.
Tamsulosin capsules should not be chewed, crushed, or opened.
Tamsulosin is prescribed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous swelling of the prostate. In some circumstances, BPH and prostate cancer can coexist. Your doctor may advise you to get tested for prostate cancer before starting tamsulosin and to have regular screenings after that.
What should I notify my doctor before using tamsulosin?
Inform your healthcare provider about any of your medical issues, as well as any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are taking. This will help them determine if tamsulosin is appropriate for you.
Make careful to bring up any of the following.
Eye surgery is planned. Tamsulosin use may increase the risk of vision impairment during or after cataract or glaucoma surgery. Inform your healthcare professional if you intend to get eye surgery. They may recommend that you wait until after the procedure to begin taking tamsulosin.
Severe kidney problems. Inform your healthcare professional if you have renal difficulties currently or in the past. It is unclear whether tamsulosin is safe to take if you have serious kidney problems. If your kidneys aren't functioning properly, your doctor may not recommend tamsulosin.
Severe liver problems. Inform your healthcare professional if you have liver problems currently or in the past. If your liver is not functioning properly, your doctor may not prescribe tamsulosin. It is unclear whether tamsulosin is safe to take if you have serious liver problems.
Low blood pressure. Tamsulosin may produce brief episodes of low blood pressure, leading to dizziness or fainting. If you already have low blood pressure, this adverse effect could be more severe or occur more frequently. Inform your doctor if you have low blood pressure. They can tell you whether tamsulosin is safe for you.
Other medicines and supplements. Tamsulosin may interact with other drugs and supplements. Before starting tamsulosin, inform your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, or other supplements you are taking. See the Interactions section for more information.
Sulfate Allergy. While rare, some patients with sulfa allergies may also be allergic to tamsulosin. A sulfa allergy is a rash or more severe reaction to sulfa or sulfonamide medications. Sulfa medications include sulfamethoxazole, sulfadiazine silver, and sulfasalazine. Inform your doctor if you have any allergies to medications. They can advise you on whether it is safe to take tamsulosin.
Pregnancy. Tamsulosin's effects on pregnancy or fetal development are unknown. Inform your healthcare professional if you are or want to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Tamsulosin's ability to transfer into breast milk is unknown. Inform your healthcare professional if you are nursing or want to breastfeed.