Tamsulosin

What tamsulosin is for

Tamsulosin is mainly used to treat difficulty peeing caused by an enlarged prostate.

It's sometimes also used to treat kidney stones.

It works by relaxing the muscles around the prostate and bladder, which can make it easier to pee.

How to take tamsulosin

Tamsulosin comes as tablets or capsules. Swallow the tablet or capsule whole with water – do not crush or chew it.

You usually need to take tamsulosin once a day, with or without food.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

If you miss a dose of tamsulosin

If you miss a dose of tamsulosin, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much tamsulosin

Taking an extra dose of tamsulosin can be dangerous.

Side effects of tamsulosin

Like all medicines, tamsulosin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of tamsulosin include:

• dizziness, particularly when you sit down or stand up
• ejaculation problems

If you feel dizzy after taking tamsulosin, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until you no longer have these symptoms.

Serious side effects

Tamsulosin can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of tamsulosin include:

• fainting
• a long-lasting, painful erection (priapism)
• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – which can cause symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing
• a severe skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome) – causing flu-like symptoms, a rash, blisters and sores

Who can and cannot take tamsulosin

Most adults can take tamsulosin.

It's also sometimes prescribed to children, but this is rare.

Tamsulosin is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you've had an allergic reaction or other serious side effect from tamsulosin or a similar medicine
• you have liver or kidney problems
• you've ever fainted during or after peeing
• you've been told you have orthostatic hypotension (you get dizzy and light-headed when you stand up)
• you're about to have eye surgery

Before taking tamsulosin, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and tamsulosin

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding. Tamsulosin is not usually used if you're breastfeeding.

Pregnancy and tamsulosin

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Tamsulosin is not usually used during pregnancy.

Find out more about taking tamsulosin during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking tamsulosin with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with tamsulosin.

These include:

• some blood pressure medicines, such as doxazosin and diltiazem
• some antibiotics, such as erythromycin
• some medicines to treat fungal infections
• medicines to treat erectile dysfunction, like sildenafil (Viagra)
• medicines to treat HIV

Before taking tamsulosin, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with tamsulosin

You can eat and drink as normal while taking tamsulosin, but it's best not to drink alcohol as it can increase the risk of side effects.