Tamsulosin is used to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland in men known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
An enlarged prostate gland may cause problems such as difficulty in passing urine, slow or interrupted flow of urine, frequent urination, and dribbling after passing urine. This medicine helps relax the muscles in the prostate gland and bladder to allow the urine to pass more easily.
Take Tamsulosin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is available as a conventional or prolonged-release type of tablet or capsule.
If you are taking the conventional tablet, you may take it with or without food.
If you are taking the conventional capsule, take it 30 minutes after a meal.
Try to take it at the same time each day.
If you are taking the prolonged-release type of tablet or capsule (usually labelled as "XR, MR"), swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet or capsule.
Tamsulosin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Tamsulosin is not indicated for use in women.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of orthostatic hypotension (a sudden fall in blood pressure when standing up from a sitting or lying down position)
- severe kidney disease
- severe liver disease
as Tamsulosin may not be suitable for you.
Some genetic traits can affect this medicine’s level in the blood. Individuals who have reduced CYP2D6 activity, also known as poor metabolisers of CYP2D6 may experience enhanced effects from Tamsulosin. Poor CYP2D6 metabolisers should not take Tamsulosin together with drugs belonging to a group called strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole) as this may cause Tamsulosin levels to increase. If you know you have this gene type, inform your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart problem
- angina pectoris (chest pain which occurs when the heart does not receive enough blood supply)
- history of allergy to certain medicine known as sulfonamide
If you are going for an eye operation, including cataract or glaucoma surgery, inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Prostate cancer screening must be done before treatment, to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
- Routine tests (e.g. urinalysis, rectal examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure during treatment.
- Regular monitoring of urinary flow, mental alertness, and signs of relief of BPH may also be needed.
Tamsulosin may cause drowsiness, dizziness or some problems with your eyesight. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, cough, blocked or runny nose, weakness, rash, itching, dry mouth.
This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing
- ejaculation problems (e.g. persistent, painful erection)
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop taking this medicine and inform your doctor immediately. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Tamsulosin with medicine to treat fungal infections e.g. ketoconazole if you are a poor metaboliser of CYP2D6.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
- paroxetine (medicine for depression)
- furosemide (water pill or medicine for water retention)
- diclofenac (NSAID [medicine for pain and inflammation])
- warfarin (blood thinning medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Tamsulosin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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