Tamsulosin is an alpha-adrenergic antagonist used in men to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. FDA approved this medication initially in 1997.

Tamsulosin is an alpha-adrenergic antagonist used in men to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), which includes difficulty in urinating, painful urination, and urinary frequency and urgency. It is also used to reduce the tension in the muscles of the prostate and urethra. It belongs to the class of medications called alpha-blockers. It works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder so that urine can flow easily. 

Tamsulosin is a prescription drug available as tablets and capsules. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on your disease condition, severity, and other factors. Always take tamsulosin as prescribed by your doctor. Do not open, break, crush, or chew the capsules. Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Take tamsulosin capsules after breakfast or after the first daily meal. Do not stop taking this medicine without medical advice from your doctor.

The common side effects of Tamsulosin are infections, backache, dizziness, headache, insomnia, somnolence, abnormal ejaculation, cold, and runny nose. Other serious side effects are eye problems and prolonged erection. 

Tamsulosin can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, resulting in dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. It is important to be cautious when transitioning from lying down or sitting to standing, especially during the initial period of tamsulosin use. Take your time and rise slowly to minimize the risk of falls or accidents. 

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to tamsulosin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine, or if angioedema (swelling due to allergic reaction) occurs after using of some drugs. Inform your physician if you have a serious infection of the liver, or if you suffer from dizziness, or if you have already had malaise while you urinate or after urinating (micturition syncope).

If you are planning to undergo cataract or glaucoma surgery, please inform your doctor that you are taking or have recently taken tamsulosin capsules. Caution should be paid if you have severely impaired renal function, as there is insufficient data from clinical studies about patients with severe renal impairment. In case of dizziness, it is necessary to sit down or lay down until the disappearance of these signs. Report to your physician if there is a drop in blood pressure on long-term use.

This medicine is not indicated for females. Take tamsulosin capsules after breakfast or after the first daily meal. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, low blood pressure, prostate cancer, or sulfa drug allergies. Tell your doctor if you plan to have cataract or glaucoma surgery. This medicine may cause difficulties with ejaculation. This medicine may cause eye problems during surgery. Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

1. Tamsulosin Zentiva 400 microgram prolonged-release hard capsules - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). Medicines.org.uk. Published May 2021. Accessed May 12, 2023. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.9245.pdf
2. Tamsulosin Hydrochloride Capsules - Highlights of Prescribing Information.; Published 2018. Accessed May 12, 2023. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/020579s026lbl.pdf
3. Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking tamsulosin. nhs.uk. Published February 17, 2023. Accessed May 12, 2023. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/tamsulosin/pregnancy-breastfeeding-and-fertility-while-taking-tamsulosin/

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.