Tamsulosin Hydrochloride
About Tamsulosin Hydrochloride
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride belongs to the category of medicine called 'alpha-blocker' primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia - BPH (enlarged prostate), and urinary bladder outlet obstruction. It relaxes the prostate gland’s muscles and urinary bladder neck at the obstruction site, resulting in improved urine flow with reduced BPH symptoms. Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is for use by men only and not indicated for use by women. Tamsulosin Hydrochloride does not cure prostate cancer. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate gland) is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland caused due to 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 Hydrochloride helps in getting relief from these symptoms.
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride contains Tamsulosin hydrochloride (alpha-blocker) which primarily treats the enlarged prostate gland leading to urinary problems (like difficulty in passing urine and a frequent urination urge). It is a prodrug, and it gets broken down into its active form (i.e. Tamsulosin) in the gut (intestine). Tamsulosin Hydrochloride makes it easy to pass urine by relaxing the muscles of the prostate gland. Effectively, it improves the symptoms of Benign Hyperplasia Prostate (BPH).
Take Tamsulosin Hydrochloride as prescribed. The most common side effects of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride are low blood pressure (hypotension), dizziness, drowsiness, reduced sex drive (libido), inability to get an erection (impotence) and 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 Hydrochloride. Although, if these side effects persist, contact the doctor.
Women or children should not take Tamsulosin Hydrochloride. Please inform your doctor before starting Tamsulosin Hydrochloride 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 Hydrochloride is known to pass in semen. Do not donate blood while taking Tamsulosin Hydrochloride. You can donate blood 6 months after you have taken the last dose of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride. Patients taking Tamsulosin Hydrochloride 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 Hydrochloride
Medicinal Benefits
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride contains tamsulosin (alpha-blocker), primarily used to treat the enlarged prostate gland in the male. It is a prodrug, and it gets broken down into its active form (i.e. Tamsulosin) in the gut. Tamsulosin Hydrochloride decreases urinary problems, like difficulty in passing urine and a frequent urination urge. Tamsulosin Hydrochloride makes it easy to pass urine by relaxing the muscles around the bladder exit and prostate gland. Effectively, it improves the symptoms of BPH like urine flow, hesitancy, and incomplete bladder emptying.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride
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 Hydrochloride should be taken with caution in people with liver or kidney disease, low blood pressure, prostate cancer history, or allergic to tamsulosin. For better results, Tamsulosin Hydrochloride should be used 30 minutes after a meal. 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 Hydrochloride passes in semen and affects pregnant women and the fetus (unborn child). It is advisable to contact your doctor for advice if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant before taking Tamsulosin Hydrochloride. Do not donate blood while taking Tamsulosin Hydrochloride. You can donate blood six months after you have taken the last dose of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride. Patients taking Tamsulosin Hydrochloride 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 Interaction: Tamsulosin Hydrochloride may interact 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). Also, keep your doctor informed about all the OTC medicines you are using while taking Tamsulosin Hydrochloride.
Drug-Food Interaction: Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is known to interact when taken along with alcohol, St John’s Wort (natural remedy to treat depression).
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have glaucoma, liver/kidney disease, or hypotension (low blood pressure).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionTamsulosin Hydrochloride should not be taken with Tamsulosin Hydrochloride as it may cause low blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), dizziness, and drowsiness. Keep your doctor informed if you drink alcohol.
Pregnancy
unsafeTamsulosin Hydrochloride is only for use in male-only and not female.
Breast Feeding
unsafeTamsulosin Hydrochloride is only for use in male-only and not female.
Driving
cautionTamsulosin Hydrochloride can make some people feel dizzy, so it may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Liver
cautionTamsulosin Hydrochloride should not be taken until prescribed. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is recommended.
Kidney
cautionTamsulosin Hydrochloride should not be taken until prescribed. Regular monitoring of kidney function tests is recommended.
Children
unsafeTamsulosin Hydrochloride is not recommended for children. The safety and effectiveness of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride 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 alcohol, caffeine and fizzy drink. Limit intake of artificial sweeteners.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly so that you do not feel heavy in the abdomen region.
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 which may worsen urinary symptoms (medication for cold and cough) should be avoided.
Special Advise
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is not intended for use as an antihypertensive (blood pressure lowering) drug.
Don't stand suddenly from a lying or resting position, as it may increase the risk of falls due to a sudden dip in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension).
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): It is the enlargement of the prostate gland. 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, the urge to urinate frequently (especially at night), and the feeling of not emptying the urinary bladder.
FAQs
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia - BPH (enlarged prostate) and urinary bladder outlet obstruction. It relaxes the prostate gland’s muscles and urinary bladder neck at the obstruction site, resulting in improved urine flow with reduced BPH symptoms.
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride contains tamsulosin (alpha-blocker), which primarily treats the enlarged prostate gland. Tamsulosin Hydrochloride makes it easy to pass urine by relaxing the muscles around the bladder exit and prostate gland. Effectively, it improves the symptoms of BPH like urine flow, hesitancy, and incomplete bladder emptying.
No, Tamsulosin Hydrochloride does not cure benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) permanently but helps relieve the enlarged prostate gland symptoms. For better advice, you should consult your doctor.
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride should not be given to the children below 18 years, and women. Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is recommended for use in male-only. Tamsulosin Hydrochloride should not be given in people with prostate cancer, priapism (persistent painful penile erection unrelated to sexual activity), low blood pressure (hypotension), cataract, and allergic to Tamsulosin Hydrochloride or sulfa drugs.
Intake of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride may cause a sudden drop in your blood pressure leading to orthostatic hypotension. It usually occurs when one suddenly stands from a lying or resting position which may increase the risk of falls.
No, you are advised not to donate blood if you are taking Tamsulosin Hydrochloride. Even if you stop taking Tamsulosin Hydrochloride, wait for at least 6 months and consult your doctor before donating blood.
No, taking any cold or cough medication along with Tamsulosin Hydrochloride should be avoided as it increases the urge to urinate. So, before taking any such medication, please consult your doctor.
It relaxes the muscles around the bladder exit and prostate gland, does help in easy passing of kidney stones.
As it causes smooth muscles of the blood vessels to relax , this vasodilation may cause blocked/stuffy nose.
You may experience a decrease or delay in ejaculation which is not harmful.
The side effects of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride 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 and ejaculatory problems.
Take Tamsulosin Hydrochloride as long as it is prescribed by your doctor. Do not discontinue Tamsulosin Hydrochloride without consulting your doctor.
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride may cause constipation in some people. It is temporary and usually resolves with time. However, it is not necessary for everyone taking Tamsulosin Hydrochloride to experience this side effect.
Prostate size is not impacted directly by Tamsulosin Hydrochloride. It provides relief from symptoms of enlarged prostate.
Take Tamsulosin Hydrochloride as advised by the doctor. Swallow it as whole with a glass of water. Do not break, crush or chew it. Take it at the same time every day.
No, Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is not an antibiotic. It belongs to a group of medicines called alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonists which reduces the muscle contractions in the urethra and prostate. This facilitates urine flow through the urethra and helps with urination.
It is preferable to take Tamsulosin Hydrochloride after breakfast or after the first daily meal. However, follow your doctor’s instructions.
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride does not increase blood sugar levels. However, if you notice any changes in blood sugar levels while using Tamsulosin Hydrochloride, please consult your doctor as it may indicate a medical concern that needs attention.
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride does not cause weight gain. However, if you notice an increase in your weight while using Tamsulosin Hydrochloride, please consult your doctor as it may indicate a medical concern that needs attention.
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride usually improves urine flow in 4 to 8 hours after taking it. But, to show its full effect, it may take 2 to 4 weeks.
Yes, you may take Tamsulosin Hydrochloride with vitamin D. When these are used together, no harmful effects or interactions have been reported. However, please consult your doctor before taking Tamsulosin Hydrochloride with other medicines or supplements.
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride helps in removal of kidney stones through urine. It works by causing muscles in the urinary tract to relax, making removal of stones easier. Also, the need for painkillers is decreased with the use of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride for kidney stones treatment.
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride cause blood vessels to dilate, which leads to build up of blood in the extremities (ends of the arms and limbs). This prevents proper blood flow to the brain, which lowers blood pressure on the sudden change in posture. Thus, patient may experience dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, vertigo and spinning sensation.
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride may cause floppy eye syndrome in which the iris muscles become floppy and the pupil unexpectedly constricts during cataract surgery. Therefore, when the eye surgeon truly needs a dilated pupil, it will constrict and restrict the surgical field, which may have an impact on the surgical outcomes.
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride relaxes the smooth muscles of the blood vessels and this dilation of the blood vessels can cause a stuffy nose.
No, Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is not an anticholinergic. It belongs to a group of medicines called alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonists which reduces the muscle contractions in the urethra and prostate. This facilitates urine flow through the urethra and helps with urination.
No, Tamsulosin Hydrochloride does not cause frequent urination. In fact, it decreases the urge for frequent urination and increases the urine flow.
The long-term effects of taking Tamsulosin Hydrochloride include increased risk of infection, pharyngitis (inflammation of the back of the throat), pain and rhinitis (inflammation and irritation of the mucous membrane inside the nose). Also, it may cause blackouts, abnormal ejaculation, lightheadedness, decreased blood pressure, fainting, and dizziness.
When you initially feel the urge, try to urinate. But be careful not to push or strain to empty the bladder. Refrain from drinking fluids (especially caffeine, alcohol and fizzy drinks), especially a few hours before going out or bedtime.
Yes, you may take Tamsulosin Hydrochloride with ibuprofen or paracetamol. When these are used together, no harmful effects or interactions have been reported. However, please consult your doctor before taking Tamsulosin Hydrochloride with other medicines.
