Tamsulosin: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Tamsulosin is a prescription medicine that eases urine flow in men with an enlarged prostate. It belongs to the alpha blockers. It can cause dizziness on standing and problems with ejaculation. Tell the eye surgeon you take it before any cataract or glaucoma surgery.
Also known as: Tamsulosin hydrochloride, Tamsulosin 0.4 mg, Tamsulosin capsule, Tamsulosin MR, Flomax
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Tamsulosin work?
Tamsulosin relaxes the muscle in the prostate and at the outlet of the bladder. The urine tube opens up a little, so urine can pass more easily.
How to take Tamsulosin
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. It is usually taken once a day, at about the same time each day, and the capsule is swallowed whole with water, not crushed, chewed or opened.
Side effects of Tamsulosin
Most men take tamsulosin without serious problems. Some effects are common and mild, but a few need urgent medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Dizziness, especially on standing up
- Sweating
- Less semen than usual, or none (harmless but may bother some men)
- Runny or blocked nose, headache, tiredness or back pain
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Fainting or briefly passing out. Tell your doctor straight away
- A painful erection lasting 2 hours or more. Go to a hospital immediately
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or trouble breathing. Get medical help immediately
- A serious skin rash with blistering or peeling
Who should be careful
Tell the doctor about your health problems and medicines before taking tamsulosin.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to tamsulosin or any ingredient of the capsule
- Cataract or glaucoma eye surgery: tell the eye surgeon you take or have taken tamsulosin, because it can cause a problem called floppy iris syndrome
- Low blood pressure on standing, or fainting, including while passing urine
- Severe liver or kidney problems
- Serious allergy to sulfa medicines: take care and ask your doctor
- Prostate cancer can cause similar symptoms, so a doctor may check for it before and during treatment
- Be careful when driving or using machines until you know how it affects you
Medicines and things that interact with Tamsulosin
Some medicines can lower blood pressure further or change the level of tamsulosin. Tell your doctor about everything you take.
- Other alpha blockers such as doxazosin, alfuzosin, prazosin and terazosin: should not be combined
- Other blood pressure medicines and nitrates: blood pressure may fall too far
- Erectile dysfunction medicines such as sildenafil and tadalafil: blood pressure may fall too far
- Ketoconazole, erythromycin and clarithromycin: may raise tamsulosin levels
- Paroxetine and cimetidine: may raise tamsulosin levels
- Diclofenac: the NHS advises against taking it with tamsulosin
If someone takes too much
Too much can cause low blood pressure and a fast heartbeat; lying down helps. If someone takes more than prescribed, go to the nearest hospital and take the pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient tamsulosin is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Combination tablets or capsules with other medicines may be treated differently, so check the ingredients on the pack.
Type of medicine
Tamsulosin belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Tamsulosin
These medicines sold in India contain Tamsulosin. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Urimax 0.4 · 0.4 mg capsule (modified release)
What is Tamsulosin used for?
Medicines that contain Tamsulosin are used for these conditions.
Common questions
Does tamsulosin shrink the prostate?
No. It relaxes muscle so urine flows more easily, but it does not make the prostate smaller or treat prostate cancer. Your doctor may use it with another medicine that shrinks the prostate. Do not stop or change it without asking.
What should I tell the doctor before cataract surgery?
Tell the eye surgeon you take tamsulosin, or took it in the past, before any cataract or glaucoma operation. It can make the iris floppy during surgery. The surgeon can then take extra care. Do not stop the medicine yourself before surgery.
Why do I feel dizzy when I stand up?
Tamsulosin can lower blood pressure a little, mostly when you stand up quickly. Get up slowly, and sit or lie down if you feel faint. Tell your doctor if dizziness lasts more than a few days or you faint.
Can women or children take it?
It is prescribed for men with an enlarged prostate. It is not usually given to people under 18 unless a specialist prescribes it. Do not take someone else's tablets.
Sources
- Tamsulosin. NHS (UK)
- Tamsulosin: how and when to take it. NHS (UK)
- Tamsulosin: who can and cannot take it. NHS (UK)
- Tamsulosin: side effects. NHS (UK)
- Tamsulosin: taking with other medicines. NHS (UK)
- Flomax (tamsulosin) capsules: label. DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine