tamsulosin

Generic Name: tamsulosin (tam soo LOE sin)

Brand Names: Flomax

What is tamsulosin?

Tamsulosin is in a group of drugs called alpha-adrenergic (AL-fa ad-ren-ER-jik) blockers. Tamsulosin relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.

Tamsulosin is used to improve urination in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).

Tamsulosin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about tamsulosin?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to tamsulosin. Do not take tamsulosin with other similar medicines such as alfuzosin (Uroxatral), doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), silodosin (Rapaflo), or terazosin (Hytrin). Tamsulosin may cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you first start taking it or when you start taking it again. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid standing for long periods of time or becoming overheated during exercise and in hot weather. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. If you stop taking tamsulosin for any reason, call your doctor before you start taking it again. You may need a dose adjustment.

Tamsulosin can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Tell your eye surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medication. Do not stop using tamsulosin before surgery unless your surgeon tells you to.

There are many other drugs that can interact with tamsulosin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tamsulosin?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to tamsulosin. Do not take tamsulosin with other similar medicines such as alfuzosin (Uroxatral), doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), silodosin (Rapaflo), or terazosin (Hytrin).

If you have a history of prostate cancer, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this tamsulosin.

Tamsulosin can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Tell your eye surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medication. Do not stop using tamsulosin before surgery unless your surgeon tells you to.

Although this medication is not for use in women, tamsulosin is not expected to harm an unborn baby. If you are a woman using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Tamsulosin is not for use in children.

How should I take tamsulosin?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Tamsulosin is usually taken once a day, approximately 30 minutes after a meal. Try to take this medication at the same time each day. Do not crush, chew, or open a tamsulosin capsule. Swallow it whole. Tamsulosin lowers blood pressure and may cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you first start taking it, or when you start taking it again. Call your doctor if you have severe dizziness or feel like you might pass out.

You may feel very dizzy when you first wake up. Be careful when standing or sitting up from a lying position.

If you stop taking tamsulosin for any reason, call your doctor before you start taking it again. You may need a dose adjustment.

Your blood pressure and prostate will need to be checked often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Some things can cause your blood pressure to get too low. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Tamsulosin dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

If you miss your doses for several days in a row, contact your doctor before restarting the medication. You may need a lower dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme dizziness or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking tamsulosin?

Tamsulosin may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

To prevent dizziness, avoid standing for long periods of time or becoming overheated during exercise and in hot weather.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of tamsulosin.

Tamsulosin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using tamsulosin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

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  feeling like you might pass out;

  
  


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  chest pain;

  
  


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  fever, chills, body aches, or flu symptoms; or

  
  


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  penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  mild dizziness;

  
  


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  weakness, drowsiness;

  
  


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  headache;

  
  


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  nausea, diarrhea;

  
  


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  back pain;

  
  


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  blurred vision;

  
  


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  dental problems;

  
  


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  sleep problems (insomnia);

  
  


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  abnormal ejaculation, decreased sex drive; or

  
  


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  runny nose, sore throat, cough.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tamsulosin Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia:

0.4 mg orally once daily one-half hour following the same meal each day

What other drugs will affect tamsulosin?

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

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  cimetidine (Tagamet);

  
  


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  conivaptan (Vaprisol);

  
  


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  cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune);

  
  


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  imatinib (Gleevec);

  
  


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  isoniazid (for treating tuberculosis);

  
  


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  methimazole (Tapazole);

  
  


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  pioglitazone (Actos);

  
  


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  ropinirole (Requip);

  
  


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  ticlopidine (Ticlid);

  
  


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  warfarin (Coumadin);

  
  


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  an antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), dalfopristin/quinupristin (Synercid), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin), metronidazole (Flagyl, Protostat), telithromycin (Ketek), or terbinafine (Lamisil);

  
  


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  an antidepressant such as citalopram (Celexa), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), duloxetine (Cymbalta), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), imipramine (Tofranil), nefazodone, paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);

  
  


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  antifungal medication such as clotrimazole (Mycelex Troche), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Extina, Ketozole, Nizoral, Xolegal), or voriconazole (Vfend);

  
  


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  anti-malaria medication such as chloroquine (Arelan) or pyrimethamine (Daraprim), or quinine (Qualaquin);

  
  


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  erectile dysfunction medicine such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra);

  
  


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  heart or blood pressure medication such as diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem), felodipine (Plendil), nicardipine (Cardene), nifedipine (Nifedical, Procardia), verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan), and others;

  
  


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  a heart rhythm medication such as amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone) or quinidine (Quin-G);

  
  


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  HIV/AIDS medicine such as atazanavir (Reyataz), delavirdine (Rescriptor), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), saquinavir (Invirase), or ritonavir (Norvir); or

  
  


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  medicine to treat psychiatric disorders, such as aripiprazole (Abilify), chlorpromazine (Thorazine), clozapine (Clozaril, FazaClo), fluphenazine (Permitil, Prolixin), haloperidol (Haldol), perphenazine (Trilafon), or thioridazine (Mellaril).

  
  

This list is not complete and there are many other drugs that can interact with tamsulosin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.

More tamsulosin resources

• Tamsulosin Side Effects (in more detail)
• Tamsulosin Dosage
• Tamsulosin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Tamsulosin Drug Interactions
• Tamsulosin Support Group
• 65 Reviews for Tamsulosin - Add your own review/rating

• tamsulosin Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Tamsulosin MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Tamsulosin Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Flomax Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Flomax Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Flomax Consumer Overview

Compare tamsulosin with other medications

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
• Overactive Bladder
• Urinary Tract Stones

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about tamsulosin.

See also: tamsulosin side effects (in more detail)