Dutasteride/Tamsulosin (By mouth)
doo-TAS-ter-ide, tam-SOO-loe-sin hye-droe-KLOR-ide
Treats benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).
Drug classes
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Note: Women of childbearing potential should not use or handle this medicine. Dutasteride can cause birth defects in male fetuses.
Dutasteride and tamsulosin combination is used to treat men who have symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland, which is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Benign enlargement of the prostate is a problem that can occur in men as they get older. The prostate gland is located below the bladder. When the prostate gland gets larger, certain muscles in the gland get in the way of the tube that drains urine from the bladder. This can cause problems with urinating, such as a need to urinate often, a weak stream when urinating, or a feeling of not being able to empty the bladder completely.
Dutasteride blocks the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme changes testosterone to another hormone that causes the prostate gland to grow. Dutasteride will cause the size of the prostate to decrease, but the effect lasts only as long as the medicine is taken. If it is stopped, the prostate begins to grow again.
Tamsulosin helps relax the muscles in the prostate gland and the opening of the bladder. This may help increase the flow of urine or decrease symptoms.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Swallow the capsule whole. Do not chew or open it.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how dutasteride/tamsulosin works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:
Cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, ketoconazole, paroxetine, ritonavir, or terbinafine Medicine for erectile dysfunction (such as sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil) A blood thinner (such as warfarin).
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to dutasteride, tamsulosin, or similar medicines, such as finasteride.
Warnings
Women who are pregnant should avoid touching or handling this medicine because it can harm an unborn male baby. If a pregnant woman gets this medicine on her skin, wash the area immediately with soap and water.
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, low blood pressure, or an allergy to sulfa drugs.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer Painful erection that does not go away Serious eye problems in patients who have cataract surgeryThis medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affect you. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
Do not donate blood for at least 6 months after you stop taking this medicine.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
Feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
Painful, prolonged erection
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Decrease or change in your sexual desire
Trouble having or keeping an erection, other sexual problems
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Jalyn
There may be other brand names for this medicine.