express delivery
Express delivery to
Select Pincode
Search for Medicine and Healthcare items
Search
molecule

Tamsulosin

Molecule Description

Tamsulosin belongs to a class of medications called alpha receptor blockers (or

alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists). It works by relaxing bladder neck muscles and muscle fibers in the prostate gland, making urination easier. The primary function of the prostate gland is nourishment and transport of semen during the reproductive age in men.

uses

Uses of Tamsulosin

  • To treat the symptoms due to enlarged prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia) - urinary retention (stagnation of urine that could not be passed out)
  • To reduce the risk of surgery (removal of the prostate)
contraindications

Contraindications of Tamsulosin

When should one not use Tamsulosin

  • Do not take if you are allergic to Tamsulosin or any of its components or other alpha-blockers (e.g. Prazosin, Doxazosin, Terazosin)
  • Who have a history of falling in blood pressure while standing up or (orthostatic hypertension), indicated by symptoms such as dizziness, feeling light-headed or fainting
  • Who have severe liver disease
sideEffects

Side effects of Tamsulosin

Common side effects of this drug are:

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Fall in blood pressure (orthostatic hypertension-symptoms such as dizziness, feeling light-headed or fainting)
  • Swelling and irritation of the nose, runny nose (rhinitis)
  • Constipation and diarrhea
  • Itching, hives & rashes
  • Weakness
  • Feeling sick (nausea)
  • Severe allergic reactions (rashes, blisters, and peeling of the skin, joint pains (Stevens-Johnsons syndrome) or skin swelling of face, below eyes and throat, causing breathing difficulty (angioedema)...
    Read more
  • Patients taking Tamsulosin are prone to a complication known as floppy iris syndrome (if they undergo cataract surgery that makes the operation difficult)
precautionsAndWarnings

Precautions and Warnings of Tamsulosin

pregnancy

Pregnancy

Q:
Can I take Tamsulosin during pregnancy?
A:
Tamsulosin is not to be used by women.
breastfeeding

Breast Feeding

Q:
Can I take Tamsulosin while breastfeeding?
A:
Tamsulosin is not to be used by women.
driving

Driving

Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Tamsulosin?
A:
Due to the risk of side effects like dizziness and light-headedness, caution is advised while driving if the patient is on Tamsulosin, and may be avoided. Driving for short distances is permissible in the absence of such symptoms.
alcohol

Alcohol

Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Tamsulosin?
A:
Too much intake of alcohol while taking this medicine has to be avoided as both Tamsulosin and alcohol have the potential to lower blood pressure level.
otherGeneralWarnings

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if
  • You feel dizziness or light-headedness
  • You have kidney problems
  • You have swelling of the face or throat, rashes and itching
  • If you are planning a cataract eye procedure
  • This medicine is mistakenly given to children or adolescents under 18 years.
modeOfAction

Mode of Action of Tamsulosin

How Does It Work?

The main functions of alpha receptors (receptor is a protein that transmits signals) is to cause narrowing (constriction) of blood vessels and specific muscles when stimulated Tamsulosin acts by block...
Read more
interactions

Interactions of Tamsulosin

Interactions with other medicines

  • Warfarin
  • Diclofenac (pain killer voveran)
  • Medicines that reduce stomach acid (Cimetidine)
  • Other medicines which may block alpha-receptors (Erythromycin, Ketoconazole, etc.)
  • Medicines causing hypotension (low blood pressure), if given along with Tamsulosin:
  • Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil
  • Doxazosin, Prazosin, Alfuzosin

Interactions with food items

Taking Tamsulosin with food can reduce the risk or severity of side effects. Therefore, it is advised with or immediately after a meal.
dietaryRestrictions

Dietary Restrictions of Tamsulosin

Drink the right amount of water, if not plenty. Try to avoid coffee, cold drinks, soda and energy drinks.
dosage

Dosage of Tamsulosin

Overdose

Overdosage of Tamsulosin may lower your blood pressure and cause unwanted symptoms. If you feel any dizziness or feel like fainting, inform your doctor immediately or seek medical attention.

Missed a Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose & do not take two doses together to compensate for the missed dose.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY
REVIEWED BY
doctor

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

^

Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking this medicine?

  • You cannot take this drug if you are allergic to it or other drugs of the same group like Prazosin, Terazosin, Doxazosin, etc.
  • Inform your physician:
  • If you have severe kidney or liver disease
  • If you have low blood pressure and heart disease
  • If you are on a low salt diet
  • If you are taking any water pill (Diuretic)
  • If you have a personal or family history of prostate cancer

Q: Does Tamsulosin cure prostate enlargement?

A: Tamsulosin does not cause shrinkage of enlarged prostate gland or cure BPH. Tamsulosin provides symptomatic relief and prevents any complications that may be due to enlarged prostate.

Q: How long can I take Tamsulosin?

  • Tamsulosin needs to be taken for long periods, usually years
  • It is generally a safe medicine and is well tolerated in most patients
  • However, it is advised to take this medicine as prescribed and not to self-medicate or self-adjust the dose
Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

Recent articles

Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here  for detailed T&C.
Our Payment Partners
https://assets.pharmeasy.in/web-assets/_next/icons/gpay.svghttps://assets.pharmeasy.in/web-assets/_next/icons/paytm.svghttps://assets.pharmeasy.in/web-assets/_next/icons/amazon-pay.svghttps://assets.pharmeasy.in/web-assets/_next/icons/phonepe.svghttps://assets.pharmeasy.in/web-assets/_next/icons/mobikwik.svghttps://assets.pharmeasy.in/web-assets/_next/icons/airtel-money.svghttps://assets.pharmeasy.in/web-assets/_next/icons/ola-money.svghttps://assets.pharmeasy.in/web-assets/_next/icons/maestro.svghttps://assets.pharmeasy.in/web-assets/_next/icons/mastercard.svghttps://assets.pharmeasy.in/web-assets/_next/icons/visa.svghttps://assets.pharmeasy.in/web-assets/_next/icons/rupay.svghttps://assets.pharmeasy.in/web-assets/_next/icons/diners.svg