Tamsulosin

What is tamsulosin?

Tamsulosin is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH; enlarged prostate that can cause difficulty urinating, painful urination or increased urinary frequency or urgency). Tamsulosin is in a class of medications called alpha blockers. It works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder so that urine can flow easily.

How should this medicine be used?

Tamsulosin comes as a capsule to take by mouth. Take once a day 30 minutes after a meal. Take around the same time every day.

Take tamsulosin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow tamsulosin capsules whole; do not split, chew, crush, or open them.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of tamsulosin and may increase your dose after 2 to 4 weeks.

Tamsulosin may help control your condition, but it will not cure it. Continue to take tamsulosin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking tamsulosin without talking to your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking tamsulosin,

• tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
• some medications should not be taken with tamsulosin. Other medications may cause dosing changes or extra monitoring when taken with tamsulosin. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before starting tamsulosin with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while taking tamsulosin, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
• the following nonprescription product may interact with tamsulosin: cimetidine. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking this medication before you start taking tamsulosin. Do not start this medication while taking tamsulosin without discussing with your healthcare provider.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had prostate cancer, cataracts, or liver or kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking tamsulosin, call your doctor.
• you should know that this medication may decrease fertility (ability to produce or have children) in women and men. This does not mean you can't get pregnant while taking tamsulosin and you should still use effective contraception. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication if you have concerns about fertility.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking tamsulosin. If you need to have eye surgery at any time during or after your treatment, be sure to tell your doctor that you are taking or have taken tamsulosin.
• you should know that this medication may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or perform dangerous tasks until you know how this medication affects you.
• you should know that tamsulosin may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, a spinning sensation, and fainting, especially when you get up too quickly from a lying position. This is more common when you first start taking tamsulosin or after your dose is increased. To help avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up. Call your doctor if these symptoms are severe or do not go away.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Tamsulosin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms or those in the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section are severe or do not go away:

• sleepiness
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• weakness
• back pain
• diarrhea
• runny or stuffy nose
• pain or pressure in the face
• sore throat, cough, fever, chills, or other signs of infection
• blurred vision
• difficulty ejaculating

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• painful erection of the penis that lasts for hours
• rash, itching, hives, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• swelling of the eyes, face, tongue, lips, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• dizziness, fainting
• blurred vision
• upset stomach
• headache

🔗 Reference: https://www.medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a698012.html

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