Tamsulosin
About Tamsulosin
Tamsulosin belongs to the category of medicine known as alpha-blocker, used primarily for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia - BPH (enlarged prostate), and urinary bladder outlet obstruction. Tamsulosin is for use by men only and not indicated for use by women. Tamsulosin does not cure prostate cancer. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate gland) is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland caused by the overproduction of a hormone called ‘dihydrotestosterone’ in men. As the gland enlarges, it can lead to urinary problems, such as difficulty passing urine and frequent urination. Tamsulosin helps in getting relief from these symptoms.
Tamsulosin contains Tamsulosin (alpha-blocker), which primarily treats the enlarged prostate gland, leading to urinary problems (like difficulty in passing urine and a frequent urination urge). Tamsulosin relaxes the prostate gland’s muscles and urinary bladder neck at the obstruction site, resulting in improved urine flow and reduced BPH symptoms.
Tamsulosin should be taken approximately 30 minutes following the same meal every day. The most common side effects of Tamsulosin are low blood pressure (hypotension), dizziness, drowsiness, reduced sex drive (libido), inability to get an erection (impotence), tenderness or enlargement of your breasts (in men), sleeplessness, runny nose, or ejaculatory problems. These side effects may disappear when you continue to take Tamsulosin. Although, if these side effects persist, contact the doctor.
Women or children should not take Tamsulosin. Please inform your doctor before starting $ if you have low blood pressure, liver/kidney disease, or a history of heart problems. You are also advised to wear a condom while having sexual intercourse, especially when your partner is pregnant, as Tamsulosin is known to pass in semen. Do not donate blood while taking Tamsulosin. You can donate blood six months after you have taken the last dose of Tamsulosin. Patients taking Tamsulosin should be cautioned about driving, operating machinery or performing hazardous tasks as it can cause drowsiness or dizziness. In rare cases, problems of penis erection, ejaculation and pain in the penis. So if these symptoms are for a longer time, immediately contact your doctor.
Uses of Tamsulosin
Medicinal Benefits
Tamsulosin contains tamsulosin (alpha-blocker), which primarily treats the enlarged prostate gland. This decreases urinary problems, like difficulty in passing urine and a frequent urination urge. Tamsulosin makes it easy to pass urine by relaxing the gland muscles. Effectively, it improves the symptoms of BPH like urine flow, hesitancy, and incomplete bladder emptying.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Tamsulosin
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Reduced sex drive (libido)
Inability to get an erection (impotence)
Tenderness or enlargement of your breasts (in men)
Sleeplessness
Runny nose
Ejaculatory problems
Drug Warnings
Tamsulosin should be taken with caution in people with liver or kidney disease, low blood pressure, a history of prostate cancer, or allergic to tamsulosin. Tamsulosin should be used 30 minutes after a meal for better results. Inform your doctor if you have had a history of heart disease or planning to undergo cataract surgery. During sexual intercourse with your partner, use a condom as Tamsulosin passes in semen and can affect pregnant women and the foetus (unborn child). So, you should contact your doctor for advice. Do not donate blood while taking Tamsulosin. You can donate blood six months after you have taken the last dose of Tamsulosin. Patients taking Tamsulosin should be cautioned about driving, operating machinery, or performing hazardous tasks as it can cause drowsiness or dizziness. In rare cases, problems of penis erection, ejaculation, and pain in the penis can occur. So if these symptoms are for a longer time, immediately contact your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Tamsulosin is known to contra-indicate with antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin, doxycycline), antidepressants (fluoxetine, paroxetine), antifungals (itraconazole and ketoconazole), blood pressure-lowering pills (atenolol, metoprolol, prazosin, terazosin), pain killers (diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin).
Drug-Food Interactions: Tamsulosin is known to interact when taken along with alcohol. Also, keep your doctor informed about all the OTC medicines you are using while taking Tamsulosin.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Tamsulosin may interact if you have glaucoma, liver/kidney disease, hypotension (low blood pressure).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeTamsulosin should not be taken with Tamsulosin as it may cause low blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), dizziness and drowsiness. Keep your doctor informed if you drink alcohol.
Pregnancy
unsafeTamsulosin is only for use in male-only and not female.
Breast Feeding
unsafeTamsulosin is only for use in male-only and not female.
Driving
cautionTamsulosin can make some people feel dizzy, so it may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Liver
cautionTamsulosin should not be taken until prescribed. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is recommended.
Kidney
cautionTamsulosin should not be taken until prescribed. Regular monitoring of kidney function tests is recommended.
Children
unsafeTamsulosin is not recommended for children. The safety and effectiveness of Tamsulosin have not been established in children due to limited testing of this drug on children by competent authorities worldwide.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid drinking less alcohol, caffeine, and fizzy drink. Limit intake of artificial sweeteners.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly, so you do not feel heavy in the abdomen.
- Also, drink less water in the evening and before sleeping to have a sound sleep and do not wake up frequently for urination.
- Any medication that may worsen urinary symptoms (for cold and cough) should be avoided.
Special Advise
Tamsulosin is not intended for use as an antihypertensive (blood pressure lowering) drug.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): The enlargement of the prostate gland is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland caused due to overproduction of dihydrotestosterone hormone in men. After age 50, most men develop an enlarged prostate gland putting pressure on the urinary bladder. It leads to restricted or obstructed urine flow, an urge to urinate frequently (especially at night), and a feeling of not emptying the urinary bladder.
FAQs
Tamsulosin is used for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia - BPH (enlarged prostate) and urinary bladder outlet obstruction.
Tamsulosin contains Tamsulosin (alpha-blocker), which primarily treats the enlarged prostate gland leading to urinary problems (like difficulty passing urine and frequent urination). Tamsulosin relaxes the prostate gland’s muscles and urinary bladder neck at the obstruction site, resulting in improved urine flow and reduced BPH symptoms.
Tamsulosin should not be given to children below 18 years and women. Tamsulosin is recommended for use in male-only. Tamsulosin should not be given in people with prostate cancer, priapism (persistent painful penile erection unrelated to sexual activity), low blood pressure (hypotension), cataracts and allergic to Tamsulosin or sulfa drugs.
No, taking any cold or cough medication along with Tamsulosin should be avoided as it increases the urge to urinate. So, before taking any such medication, please consult your doctor.
No, you are advised not to donate blood if you are taking Tamsulosin. Even if you stop taking Tamsulosin, wait for at least 6 months and consult your doctor before donating blood.
Intake of Tamsulosin may cause a sudden drop in your blood pressure leading to orthostatic hypotension. It usually occurs when one suddenly stand from a lying or resting position which may increase the risk of falls.
No, Tamsulosin does not cure benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) helps in relieving symptoms of the enlarged prostate gland. For better advice, you should consult your doctor.
The side effects of Tamsulosin include dizziness, drowsiness, sleeplessness, runny nose, low blood pressure and libido (reduced sex drive). If these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Tamsulosin can be taken after breakfast or after the first meal of the day. However, some doctors advise taking it at night time after dinner. You should take it approximately 30 minutes after the same meal every day. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew or break it.
Tamsulosin does not increase blood sugar levels. However, if you notice any change in the blood sugar levels while using Tamsulosin, consult your doctor as this may indicate a medical condition which needs attention.
No, Tamsulosin does not cause any weight gain generally, even on long-term use. However, if you experience any weight gain while taking Tamsulosin, please consult your doctor to identify the cause of the weight gain.
Tamsulosin shows improvement in urine flow in 4 to 8 hours after taking it. However, it may take 2 to 4 weeks to show its full effect.
Yes, you may take Tamsulosin with vitamin D as no harmful effects or interactions have been reported when these are used together. However, please consult your doctor before taking Tamsulosin with other medicines or supplements.
Tamsulosin helps in removal of kidney stones through urine. It works by relaxing the urinary tract muscles which makes it easier to remove stones. Use of Tamsulosin in kidney stones also decreases the need for painkillers.
Tamsulosin widens the blood vessels and leads to the accumulation of blood in the extremities (ends of the arms and limbs). This prevents the proper flow of blood to the brain, which lowers blood pressure on the sudden change in posture. Therefore, the patient may experience dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, spinning sensation, and vertigo.
Tamsulosin can cause floppy eye syndrome in which the iris muscles become floppy and the pupil constricts unexpectedly during cataract surgery. So, when the eye surgeon actually needs a dilated pupil, it will constrict and restrict the field of surgery, and may have an impact on the surgical outcomes.
Tamsulosin relaxes the smooth muscles of the blood vessels and this dilation of the blood vessels can cause a stuffy nose.
No, Tamsulosin is not an anticholinergic. Tamsulosin is an alpha blocker which relaxes the prostate gland’s muscles and urinary bladder neck, resulting in improved urine flow in patients with benign enlargement of the prostate gland.
No, Tamsulosin does not cause frequent urination. In fact, it increases the urine flow and decreases the need to urinate frequently, which is a sign of benign enlargement of the prostate gland. Additionally, this condition leads to a weak stream of urine, making it difficult for the patient to empty their bladder completely.
The long-term use of Tamsulosin may increase the chances of having infection, pain, rhinitis (irritation and inflammation of the mucous membrane inside the nose), and pharyngitis (inflammation of the back of the throat). Also, it may cause blackouts, abnormal ejaculation, faintness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and decreased blood pressure.
Try to urinate when you initially feel the urge. However, be careful not to strain or push to empty your bladder. Avoid drinking fluids (especially caffeine, alcohol) a few hours before bedtime or going out. Also, do not take any other medicine without consulting your doctor as some medicines may increase your urge to urinate.
You are recommended to consult your doctor before taking Tamsulosin with ibuprofen or paracetamol or other medicines.
