How Tamsulosin works

Tamsulosin is an alpha blocker. It works by relaxing muscle around the bladder exit and prostate gland so urine is passed more easily.

Side Effects

Dizziness, Ejaculation disorder

Usage

Tamsulosin is used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Apart from taking medicines, what should I do to manage my prostate symptoms?

Simple lifestyle changes can help you manage your prostate symptoms better. Try to urinate when you first get the urge. However, take care not to strain or push to empty your bladder. Avoid drinking fluids (especially alcohol, caffeine) a few hours before bedtime or going out. You should also avoid medicines that can worsen urinary symptoms. These include some over the counter medicines for cold and cough.

Q. Can I take Tamsulosin in the morning?

Tamsulosin can be taken after any meal of the day but after the same meal every day. It should be taken half an hour after food.

Q. Can I take Tamsulosin with terazosin?

No, Tamsulosin should not be taken with terazosin. Taking them together can cause a severe fall in blood pressure.

Q. What is the benefit of taking Tamsulosin while the patient is on a catheter?

Clinical studies have shown beneficial results of using Tamsulosin in patients catheterised for acute urinary retention caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). These patients could pass urine more easily after catheter removal with a lesser need for re-catheterisation. Tamsulosin can be given to a patient with a catheter in place and can continue even after removal of the catheter.

Q. Is Tamsulosin an anticholinergic?

Tamsulosin is not an anticholinergic medicine. It is an alpha adrenergic receptor blocker used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Q. Does Tamsulosin cause ejaculation problems?

Retrograde ejaculation (semen does not leave the body, instead goes into the bladder) and ejaculation failure (reduced or absent ejaculation volume) are common problems associated with the use of Tamsulosin, but this is harmless and more commonly seen at higher doses. Priapism (painful erection) is also a rare and serious side effect associated with its use.

Q. Is Tamsulosin a steroid?

Tamsulosin is not a steroid. It is an alpha adrenergic receptor blocker used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Q. Can I take Tamsulosin with deflazacort?

Yes, Tamsulosin can be taken with deflazacort. No harmful effects or any other interactions have been reported when they are used together.

Q. Does Tamsulosin lower prostate specific antigen (PSA)?

Lowering of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has not been seen with Tamsulosin. However, the effect may vary from patient to patient who is taking the medicine. You may need to get prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels checked at regular intervals. If there are any changes in the PSA levels during therapy, consult your doctor.

Q. Does Tamsulosin cause hair loss?

Tamsulosin is not known to cause hair loss. If you notice excessive hair loss during the therapy, consult your doctor.

Q. Is Tamsulosin available over the counter?

Tamsulosin is not an over the counter medicine. It is a prescription medicine and can be bought from a pharmacy only when prescribed by a doctor.

Q. Can the use of Tamsulosin increase blood sugar levels?

Use of Tamsulosin is not reported to increase your blood sugar levels. If you notice any change in the blood sugar levels while taking it, consult your doctor as this could be due to some condition which needs attention.

Q. Can I take Tamsulosin with tadalafil?

You need to take special precaution when taking Tamsulosin with tadalafil. Both are known to decrease blood pressure and can cause orthostatic hypotension (fall in blood pressure when standing from a sitting or lying down position). When taken together they can cause a severe fall in blood pressure which can be harmful.

Q. Does Tamsulosin cause weight gain?

Weight gain has not been reported as a side effect with Tamsulosin. Please consult your doctor in case you experience changes in weight while taking Tamsulosin.

Q. Does Tamsulosin cause dry mouth?

Tamsulosin use is not known to cause dry mouth.

Q. Can I take Tamsulosin with doxazosin?

No, Tamsulosin should not be taken along with doxazosin. Both the medicines decrease blood pressure and taking them together can cause a severe fall in blood pressure.

Q. Does Tamsulosin effect blood pressure?

Tamsulosin can reduce the blood pressure but not very significantly. However, it is also reported to cause postural hypotension (fall in blood pressure when you stand suddenly). Consult your doctor if you have these symptoms as the dose of your medicine may need to be adjusted.

Q. Can I take Tamsulosin with finasteride?

Yes, Tamsulosin can be taken with finasteride. This combination is safe, well tolerated and works well in decreasing the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Tamsulosin relaxes the bladder muscles which helps in free passage of urine and provides immediate relief and finasteride decreases the size of the prostate and provides a long-term relief in symptoms.

Q. Does Tamsulosin help in erectile dysfunction?

Tamsulosin is not indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Please consult your doctor if you are suffering from erectile dysfunction for its right treatment.

Q. When does Tamsulosin start to work?

An improvement in urine flow can be seen in 4 to 8 hours after taking Tamsulosin. However, it may take 2 to 4 weeks for the full effect to come.

Q. Is Tamsulosin a diuretic?

No,Tamsulosin is not a diuretic. It is an alpha adrenergic receptor blocker used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Q. Can I take Tamsulosin with sildenafil?

Special caution needs to be taken when Tamsulosin is taken along with sildenafil. Both are known to decrease blood pressure and can also cause orthostatic hypotension (fall in blood pressure when standing from a sitting position). So, when taken together they can cause a severe fall in blood pressure which can be harmful.

Q. Is Tamsulosin an antibiotic?

Tamsulosin is not an antibiotic. It is an alpha adrenergic receptor blocker used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Q. Can I take Tamsulosin with ibuprofen or paracetamol?

Tamsulosin can be taken with ibuprofen or paracetamol. No harmful side effects or other interactions have been seen when they are taken together.

Q. Can I use Tamsulosin with oxybutynin?

Tamsulosin can be taken with oxybutynin. Tamsulosin is given along when oxybutynin alone fails to control symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Oxybutynin helps in providing relief from symptoms of overactive bladder (urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency).

Q. Is there any relation between Tamsulosin and cancer?

Tamsulosin itself is not known to cause any cancers. It is used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which can co-exist with prostate cancer. So, screening for prostate cancer should be done before and after starting the therapy

Q. Is Tamsulosin a sulfa drug?

Tamsulosin contains sulfur molecule in its structure. Patients with a sulfa allergy should report it to the doctor prior to therapy with Tamsulosin. However, allergic reaction due to the drug has only been rarely reported.

Q. Can I take Tamsulosin with ciprofloxacin?

Tamsulosin and ciprofloxacin are not known to have any clinically relevant drug interactions. However, interactions can occur. Please consult your doctor before taking both the medicines together.

Q. How does Tamsulosin help in removal of kidney stones?

Tamsulosin helps in removal of kidney stones which are in the distal ureter. It works by relaxing the muscles of the urinary tract which causes an easy removal of the stones. It does not break the kidney stones. Use of Tamsulosin also decreases the need for painkillers.

Q. Is Tamsulosin a beta blocker?

Tamsulosin is not a beta blocker. It is an alpha adrenergic receptor blocker used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Q. Can I take Tamsulosin with pseudoephedrine?

Tamsulosin and pseudoephedrine are not known to have any meaningful interactions. However, they act by opposite mechanisms and produce opposite effects and hence you should consult your doctor before taking these medicines together because one can decrease the effect of the other.

Q. Can I take Tamsulosin if I have tachycardia (increased heart rate)?

Although Tamsulosin is not contraindicated if you have tachycardia, you should be very careful while taking this medicine as it can cause a fall in blood pressure which leads to increased heart rate (tachycardia).

Q. Is Tamsulosin a blood thinner?

Tamsulosin is not a blood-thinner. It is an alpha adrenergic receptor blocker used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Q. Can I take Tamsulosin with aspirin?

Tamsulosin and aspirin are not known to have any clinically relevant drug interactions. However, interactions can occur. Please consult your doctor before taking both the medicines together.

Q. Can I take Tamsulosin with vitamin D?

Yes, Tamsulosin can be taken with vitamin D. No harmful effects or any interactions have been reported when these are used together.

Q. Is Tamsulosin a narcotic?

Tamsulosin is not a narcotic substance. It is an alpha adrenergic receptor blocker used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Q. When should I stop taking Tamsulosin?

Do not stop taking Tamsulosin until you are asked by your doctor to do so. Continue taking it, even if you are feeling good. Tamsulosin needs to be stopped temporarily if you are undergoing any eye surgery like a cataract.

Q. Is Tamsulosin an alpha blocker?

Yes, Tamsulosin is an alpha blocker. It is a specific alpha1-adrenergic receptor blocker and is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Q. Can I take Tamsulosin with dutasteride?

Yes, Tamsulosin can be taken with dutasteride. This combination is safe, well tolerated and works well in decreasing the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Tamsulosin relaxes the bladder muscles and provides immediate relief by helping in free passage of urine and dutasteride decreases the size of the prostate and provides a long-term relief in symptoms.

Q. Who cannot take Tamsulosin?

Tamsulosin is contraindicated in patients with a history of allergy to Tamsulosin, history of postural hypotension (fall in blood pressure when getting up from sitting or lying down position) or severe liver disorders.

Q. Why is it preferred to take Tamsulosin at bedtime?

Tamsulosin causes peripheral blood vessel dilatation and pooling of blood in extremities leading to a fall in blood pressure on the sudden change in posture from lying down to sitting or standing. The patient experiences dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, spinning sensation, and vertigo. This can be prevented if the patient remains in the lying down position for a long time. So, it is preferred to take Tamsulosin at bedtime especially when therapy is initiated.

Q. Why does Tamsulosin cause dizziness?

Tamsulosin causes peripheral blood vessel dilatation and pooling of blood in extremities causing fall in blood pressure on the sudden change in posture from lying down to sitting or standing. This makes patient experiences dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, spinning sensation, and vertigo.

Q. For how long can Tamsulosin be taken?

Tamsulosin can be taken till the symptoms are under control. Some clinical studies have used Tamsulosin for as long as 6 years.

Q. Can I use Tamsulosin with antibiotics?

Tamsulosin should not be used with ketoconazole which is an antifungal as it can increase the levels of Tamsulosin and cause a fall in blood pressure. It is not known to have any significant interactions with other antibiotics.

Q. Why should I stop taking Tamsulosin before my cataract surgery?

Tamsulosin can cause floppy eye syndrome in which the muscles of the iris become floppy and the pupil constricts unexpectedly during cataract surgery. So, when the eye surgeon actually needs a dilated pupil, it will constrict and restrict the field of surgery and can affect the surgical outcomes.

Q. Why does Tamsulosin cause stuffy nose?

Tamsulosin relaxes the smooth muscles of the blood vessels and this vasodilation of the blood vessels can cause a stuffy nose.

Q. Is Tamsulosin an anti-inflammatory medicine?

Tamsulosin is not an anti-inflammatory medicine. It is an alpha-adrenergic receptor blocker, used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It relaxes the muscles around the bladder exit and prostate gland which helps in easy passage of urine and also decreases the urge to urinate again and again.

Q. Is Tamsulosin a hormone?

Tamsulosin is not a hormone. It is an alpha-adrenergic receptor blocker, used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia by relaxing the muscles around the bladder exit and prostate gland.

Q. Is Tamsulosin a nitrate?

Tamsulosin is not a nitrate. It is an alpha-adrenergic receptor blocker, used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia by relaxing the muscles around the bladder exit and prostate gland.

Q. Is Tamsulosin a statin drug?

Tamsulosin is not a statin drug. It is an alpha-adrenergic receptor blocker, used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia by relaxing the muscles around the bladder exit and prostate gland.

Q. When does Tamsulosin expire?

Yes, like any other medicine, Tamsulosin has an expiry date. Please check the expiry date mentioned on the pack before taking the medicine.

Q. Is Tamsulosin a painkiller?

Tamsulosin is not a pain killer. It is an alpha-adrenergic receptor blocker, used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia by relaxing the muscles around the bladder exit and prostate gland. However, Tamsulosin decreases the need for painkillers in a specific condition like kidney stones.

Q. Is Tamsulosin a safe drug?

Tamsulosin is safe if used for a prescribed duration in doses as prescribed by your physician. However, there are some very common side effects that you can experience with the dose advised, like a headache, nausea, and dyspepsia.

Q. Is Tamsulosin a controlled substance?

Tamsulosin is not a controlled substance. It's a prescription medicine and is available on providing a valid prescription by a doctor.