Tamsulosin is used to improve urination in men with benign prostatic hypertrophy.
What is Tamsulosin?
Tamsulosin works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, thus making it easier to urinate.
How should Tamsulosin be taken?
Tamsulosin is typically administered orally, once a day and 30 minutes after a meal.
Side effects associated with Tamsulosin
Among the possible side effects of tamsulosin include the following:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Chest pains
- Ejaculation problems (reduced amount of semen)
- Back ache
- Tarnished vision
- Dental problems
- Fever, chills, aches and flu-like symptoms
- Stuffy or runny nose, sinus pain, sore throat and cough
- Insomnia
- Sexual problems
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips and tongue
- Tightness in chest
- Feeling of faintness
- An erection that becomes painful or lasts for more than 4 hours
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Tamsulosin
Tamsulosin should not be taken by women, children or in cases of treatment with similar medications (such as alfuzosin, doxazosin, prazosin, or terazosin silodosin). The drug can compromise the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. It can also cause dangerous dizziness or fainting when:
- Standing up too quickly from a laying position
- Standing too long in hot weather
- Exercising strenuously
Before starting treatment with Tamsulosin, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or any other drugs (in particular sulfonamides) or food
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: alfuzosin, doxazosin, prazosin, silodosin, terazosin and medications to control high blood pressure
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from kidney or liver disease, prostate cancer or low blood pressure
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
