Tamsulosin
About
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 are for use by men only and not indicated for use in women. Tamsulosin 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 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 Tamsulosin have low blood pressure, liver/kidney disease, history of heart problem. 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
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
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 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.
