Why it's used

Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is a prescription medicine that is used to treat lower urinary tract symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia ). This medicine works by relaxing the muscles of the urinary bladder and prostate so that urine can pass easily.
When not to use
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride cannot be used to treat low blood pressure.
Alpha-Adrenergic Blocker
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride belongs to the Alpha-Adrenergic Blocker class of medicines. Alpha-Adrenergic Blocker.

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How to use

Follow directions on the product label, information guide, and provided by your doctor before using Tamsulosin Hydrochloride. Eat this medicine as per your doctor's instructions.
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is eaten with or without food. Tamsulosin Hydrochloride should be swallowed whole and do not chew, or crush them. Tamsulosin Hydrochloride should be taken approximately one-half hour after the same meal each day.

Typical Dosage

The typical adult dose of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is 0.4 mg once daily (not more than 0.8 mg in one day). The maximum dose for adults of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is 0.8 mg/day per day. Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is typically used at the same time every day.
You should continue to use this medicine as directed by the doctor even if you feel well.
To decrease the possibility of side-effects, you might be recommended to use the extended-release form of this medicine by your doctor. The extended-release medicine helps in maintaining a steady level of the medicine in your body for a longer period of time. Do not crush or chew the medicine, unless indicated on the package or by your doctor.

Talk to Your Doctor

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens. Talk to your doctor if decreased blood pressure when changing positions, fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
To see the impact of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride on the body, your doctor may recommend a lower initial dose. Please follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Use in Children

The safety and effectiveness of using this medicine in children has not been established.

Lab Tests

Your doctor may require that certain tests be performed before using Tamsulosin Hydrochloride. The doctor may ask you to have digital rectal examination | Prostate-specific Antigen test.

Storage

Store Tamsulosin Hydrochloride below 25°C (77°F), away from moisture, and away from light. Keep this medicine away from children and pets.
Medicines may be given for uses other than those listed in the medicine guide. Do not use Tamsulosin Hydrochloride for symptoms for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Tamsulosin Hydrochloride to others who may have similar symptoms as you. Self-medication can cause harm.

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How to take Tamsulosin Hydrochloride

The dose and frequency of using Tamsulosin Hydrochloride will depend on the following factors:
  • any other medicines being used
  • herbal supplements being used
  • response to the medicine

Tamsulosin Hydrochloride Dosage

Dosage for symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate

Adult
  • Recommended: 0.4 mg once daily and if patients fail to respond to the 0.4 mg dose after 2 to 4 weeks of therapy, the dose of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride should be increased to 0.8 mg/day. If Tamsulosin Hydrochloride therapy is discontinued for several days, therapy should be restart with the 0.4 mg/day
  • Maximum: 0.8 mg/day

Forms

Capsule
Strength: 0.4 mg
Tablet, extended release
Strength: 0.4 mg
Capsule, extended release
Strength: 0.4 mg

Special Instructions

Capsule
The Tamsulosin Hydrochloride capsule should be taken approximately one-half hour after the same meal each day. Capsules should be swallowed as a whole, do not chew, split, crush or open the capsules.

Missed Dose

A missed dose should be taken as early as you remember it. However, if the time for the next dose is almost there, then the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule should be continued. Two doses should not be taken at the same time.

Overdose

What to do if you overdose on Tamsulosin Hydrochloride?
Maintenance of the blood pressure, heart rate, functioning of the kidney and heart-related blood vessel system along with supportive measures should be considered. This can be achieved by keeping patients in the supine position. On the occurrence of inadequate measure, intravenous fluids, volume expanders, vasopressor should be given to the patients. In case a large amount of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride, the overdose effect can be reduced by inducing emesis, gastric lavage, activated charcoal, and osmotic laxative.
Symptoms of an overdose of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride
If you use too much of this medicine, it could lead to dangerous levels of the medicine in your body. In such cases, symptoms of an overdose may include:
If you think you have overdosed on Tamsulosin Hydrochloride, call a poison control center immediately. You can look up the poison control center information from the Poison Center Finder at TabletWise.com.

Precautions while using Tamsulosin Hydrochloride

Before you use Tamsulosin Hydrochloride, tell your doctor of your medical and health history including the following:
  • dental surgery
  • kidney problems
  • low blood pressure on standing up
  • planning to have cataract or glaucoma surgery
  • prostate cancer
  • severe liver problem
  • taking alpha-blockers, sulpha medicines, anticoagulants, cimetidine and medicines used for treating erectile dysfunction or high blood pressure
Patient suffering from dizziness or light-headness may experince low blood pressure when using Tamsulosin Hydrochloride. Patient planning to have surgery may experince small pupil syndrome(Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome) when using Tamsulosin Hydrochloride.
Before you use Tamsulosin Hydrochloride, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or its ingredients. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine and update your medical records to record this information. Discuss with your doctor if you are allergic to sulfa-medicine.
Before having any surgery, discuss with your doctor and dentist about medicines you use including prescription medicines, non-prescription medicines, and herbal supplements.
The use of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride may change Blood Pressure. Tamsulosin Hydrochloride may cause a sudden decrease in blood pressure while standing up.

Use when Pregnant

Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is not for use by women. Hence women who are pregnant should not use this medicine. Tamsulosin Hydrochloride should not be used in all women.

If Breastfeeding

Women who are breastfeeding should not use this medicine. Tamsulosin Hydrochloride should not be used in all women.

Seizures

Tamsulosin Hydrochloride can make you feel sleepy. Be careful, especially while driving, while using heavy machinery, or when doing any activity that needs you to be completely alert. The consumption of alcohol with Tamsulosin Hydrochloride can worsen the sleepiness. Tamsulosin Hydrochloride may cause seizures in some people. Hence, you should discuss with your doctor before performing any activities where a loss of consciousness may cause harm to you or others.

Body Fluids

This medicine may pass into the semen of men who are treated with this medicine.

What precautions should be taken during Pregnancy and Nursing, and administering Tamsulosin Hydrochloride to Children or the Older Adults?

Pregnant Women

Absolute Contraindication
Warning: Tamsulosin Hydrochloride should not be used in all women.

Breastfeeding

Absolute Contraindication
Warning: Tamsulosin Hydrochloride should not be used in all women.

Younger Adults Population

Contraindicated or Not Recommended
Warning: Do not give this medicine to children or adult under age 18 because it does not show any effect in these patients.

Tamsulosin Hydrochloride Side-effects

The following side-effects may commonly occur when using Tamsulosin Hydrochloride. If any of these side-effects worsen or last for a long time, you should consult with your doctor:
Rarely, the use of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride may cause the following side-effects:
The following severe side-effects may also occur when using Tamsulosin Hydrochloride:
  • heart disorders
    Symptoms: low blood pressure on quickly standing up (symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness ), increased and decreased heartbeat rapid heart rate
    If these symptoms occur, contact the doctor immediately.
  • Symptoms: bleeding from the nasal cavity (epistaxis) difficulty in breathing
    If these symptoms occur, contact the doctor immediately.
  • stomach or intestinal disorders
    Symptoms: constipation vomiting
  • skin disorders
    Symptoms: swelling of the lower layer of the skin, life-threatening skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome), skin allergic reaction caused by infection (erythema multiforme) redness and scaling of the skin (exfoliative dermatitis)
    If these symptoms occur, contact the doctor immediately.
Your doctor has prescribed this medicine because they judge that the benefit is greater than the risk posed by side-effects. Many people using this medicine do not have serious cases of side-effects. This page does not contain a complete list of all possible side-effects.
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Side-effects and Allergic Reactions of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride by Severity and Frequency

Common Side-effects

Following are the common side-effects of this medicine:

Infrequent and Rare Side-effects

Following are the infrequent and rare side-effects of this medicine:

Serious Allergic Reactions

Following are the symptoms of serious allergic reactions to this medicine:
If these symptoms occur, contact the doctor immediately.
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Warnings

Alpha Adrenergic Blockers

Patients taking Tamsulosin Hydrochloride with other adrenergic blocking agents are at an increased risk. Patients should not use these medicines together.

Phosphodiesterase-5-Inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors)

Patients taking Tamsulosin Hydrochloride with phosphodiesterase-5-inhibitors are at an increased risk. These patients may experience low blood pressure. Precaution should be taken in such patients.

Warfarin

Patients taking Tamsulosin Hydrochloride with warfarin are at an increased risk. These patients may experience the elimination of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride. Caution should be taken in these patients.

Sulfa Allergy

Patients taking Tamsulosin Hydrochloride are at an increased risk. These patients may experience serious or life-threatening sulpha allergy while using this medicine. Proper care should be taken in such patients.

Prolonged and Painful Erection of Penis

Patients taking Tamsulosin Hydrochloride are at an increased risk. These patients may experience persistent painful penile erection (Priapism) which may lead to sexual dysfunction (impotence). Such patients should be advised for the seriousness of the persistent painful penile erection.

Low Blood Pressure

Patients taking Tamsulosin Hydrochloride are at increased risk. These patients may experience low blood pressure on standing up, dizziness, vertigo, or fainting. Precaution should be taken to avoid the occurrence of injury. Patients are advised to sit or lie down when a reduction in blood pressure occurs.

Prostate problems

Patients taking Tamsulosin Hydrochloride are at an increased risk. These patients may experienc prostate cancer and gland enlargment. Digital rectal examination, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, and screening of the prostate cancer should be considered in these patients before starting Tamsulosin Hydrochloride and regularly afterwards.

Small Pupil Syndrome

Patients taking Tamsulosin Hydrochloride are at an increased risk. These Patients may experience small pupil syndrome (Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome) and complications during eye surgery. This may occur when the patient has stopped taking Tamsulosin Hydrochloride 2 to 14 days or for a longer period after surgery. The doctor should modify surgical techniques. This medicine should not be used or discontinued to use one to two weak prior to glaucoma or cataract surgery.

Inhibitors of CYP3A4 or CYP2D6

Patients taking Tamsulosin Hydrochloride with inhibitors of CYP2D6/CYP3A4 are at an increased risk. These patients may experience an increased level of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride when using these combinations together. Patients should not use Tamsulosin Hydrochloride with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4. Also, precaution should be taken when using Tamsulosin Hydrochloride with strong to moderate inhibitors of CYP2D6, with moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4, and in poor metabolizers of CYP2D6.

Cimetidine

Patients taking Tamsulosin Hydrochloride with cimetidine are at an increased risk. These patients may experience decreased elimination of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride which may lead to increased levels of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride. Precaution should be taken in these patients.

Interactions with Tamsulosin Hydrochloride

When two or more medicines are taken together, it can change how the medicines work and increase the risk of side-effects. In medical terms, this is called as a Drug Interaction.
This page does not contain all the possible interactions of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride. Share a list of all medicines that you use with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicines without the approval of your doctor.

Warfarin

Your doctor's guidelines may need to be followed while taking this medicine along with warfarin, which is used to prevent stroke. When Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is used with warfarin, it may increase the elimination of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride. Caution should be taken when using both medicines together.

Alpha Adrenergic Blocking Agents

Tamsulosin Hydrochloride interacts with alpha adrenergic blocking agents, which are used to treat high blood pressure. When Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is used with other alpha-blockers, it may cause low blood pressure. Patients should not use both medicines together.

Cimetidine

There may be an interaction of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride with cimetidine, which is used to treat heartburn. When Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is used with cimetidine, it may decrease the clearance of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride which may lead to an increased level of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride. Precaution should be taken when using this combination.

Moderate and Strong Inhibitor of CYP3A4 or CYP2D6

Tamsulosin Hydrochloride may interact with Moderate and Strong Inhibitor of CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 (ketoconazole, paroxetine, or terbinafine). When Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is used with ketoconazole or paroxetine, it may increase the level of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride in the body. Also using Tamsulosin Hydrochloride with inhibitors of both CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 may increase the level of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride in the body. Tamsulosin Hydrochloride should not be given with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 to patients having poor metabolizing phenotype property. Also, precaution should be taken when using Tamsulosin Hydrochloride with moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 or with strong/moderate inhibitors of CYP2D6.

phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors (PDE5) Inhibitors

Special instructions need to be followed while taking this medicine along with PDE5 inhibitors, which are used to treat erectile dysfunction. When Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is used with phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors, it may cause low blood pressure. Caution should be taken when using both medicines together.

Diclofenac

There may be an interaction of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride with diclofenac, which is used to treat pain and stiffness in joints. When Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is used with diclofenac, it may increase the elimination of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride.

Furosemide

Tamsulosin Hydrochloride may interact with furosemide, which is used to treat high blood pressure. When Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is used with furosemide, it may decrease the level of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride in the body.

Interactions of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride by Severity

Severe

The following medicines are usually not to be taken together without consulting with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious

The following medicines may interact when taken together and can cause harmful effects in the body. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these medicines together.

Moderate

The following medicines may interact when taken together and can increase your risk of harmful effects. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these medicines together.

When should Tamsulosin Hydrochloride be not used?

Allergic to Tamsulosin Hydrochloride

This medicine should not be used in patients allergic to Tamsulosin Hydrochloride. These patients may have the following symptoms if they use this medicine:
  • allergic reaction to skin rash
  • hives
  • itchy skin
  • swelling of the lower layer of skin and tissue
  • respiratory symptoms
  • swelling of the face, tongue, or throat

Alpha Adrenergic Blocking Agents

These medicines should not be in combination with alpha-adrenergic blocking agents or α1A-adrenoreceptor blocker. Lowering of blood pressure and consciousness may occur when using this medicine. These patients may have the following symptoms if they use this medicine:

Strong Inhibitors of CYP3A4

This medicine should not be used in patients taking strong inhibitor of CYP3A4 and in patients with poor metabolizer.

Pregnancy and Breast Feeding Women

This medicine should not be used in pregnant and breast-feeding women.

Elderly Use

The Tamsulosin Hydrochloride should not be used in elderly patients.

Liver Problems

This medicine should not be used in patients with severe liver insufficiency.

Traveling With Medication

  • Ensure that you carry enough doses of each of your prescription medicines to last the entire trip. The best place to store your medicines is in the carry on baggage. However, while flying, if carrying liquid medicines, make sure you do not go over the limits imposed for carry-on liquids.
  • While traveling overseas, make sure that you can carry each of your prescription medicines legally to your destination country. One way to ensure this is by checking with your destination country's embassy or website.
  • Make sure that you carry each of your medicines in their original packaging, which should typically include your name and address, and the details of the prescribing doctor.
  • If your travel involves crossing time zones, and you are required to take your medicine as per a fixed schedule, make sure that you adjust for the change in time.

Expired Medication

Taking a single dose of expired Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is unlikely to cause a side-effect. However, please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, if you feel unwell or sick. An expired medicine may become ineffective in treating your prescribed conditions. To be on the safe side, it is important not to use an expired drug. You are much safer by always keeping a fresh supply of unexpired medicines.

Safe Disposal of Medication

  • If there are disposal instructions on the package, please follow the instructions.
  • If there are medicine take-back programs in your country, you should contact the respective authority to arrange for the disposal of the medicine. For example, in the USA, the Drug Enforcement Administration regularly hosts National Prescription Drug Take-Back events.
  • If there are no take-back programs, mix the medicine with dirt and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Throw the plastic bag in your household trash. Separately, remove all personal information including the prescription label from the medicine packaging and then dispose off the container.
  • If specifically indicated on the medicine package that it needs to be flushed down the toilet when no longer needed, perform the required step.
This page provides information for Tamsulosin Hydrochloride .
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Prostate Diseases
Urinary Tract Infections
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