Tamsulosin (By mouth)
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
Tamsulosin is used to treat men who have symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland, which is also known as benign enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or 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. As the prostate gland enlarges, certain muscles in the gland may become tight and get in the way of the tube that drains urine from the bladder. This can cause problems in 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.
Tamsulosin helps relax the muscles in the prostate and the opening of the bladder. This may help increase the flow of urine or decrease the symptoms. However, tamsulosin will not shrink the prostate. The prostate may continue to get larger. This may cause the symptoms to become worse over time. Therefore, even though tamsulosin may lessen the problems caused by enlarged prostate now, surgery still may be needed in the future.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, tamsulosin is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
Ureteric stone (a kidney stone that has moved down into the ureter).
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Take this medicine 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, 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. If you forget to take this medicine for several days in a row, talk to your doctor before you start taking it again.
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 tamsulosin works. Tell your doctor if you are using another alpha blocker medicine, cimetidine, erythromycin, ketoconazole, paroxetine, terbinafine, warfarin, or medicine for erectile dysfunction.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to tamsulosin.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, low blood pressure, prostate cancer, or an allergy to sulfa drugs.
Tell your doctor if you plan to have cataract or glaucoma surgery. This medicine may cause eye problems during surgery.
This medicine may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel dizzy.
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
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
Painful, prolonged erection of your penis
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Problems with ejaculation
Runny or stuffy nose
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
Flomax
There may be other brand names for this medicine.