Tamsulosin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What drug Tamsulosin?

What is Tamsulosin for?

Tamsulosin is a drug commonly used by men to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia-BPH). This drug does not shrink the prostate, but works by relaxing the prostate and bladder muscles. This medication helps relieve symptoms of BPH such as difficulty starting the flow of urine, weak flow, and frequent or urgent urination (including in the middle of the night).

Tamsulosin is an alpha blocker.

Do not use this medication for high blood pressure.

OTHER USES: This section contains medicinal uses not stated on the professionally approved label but may be prescribed by your doctor. Use this medication for the conditions mentioned in this section only when prescribed by your doctor.

This drug can also be used to help the body get rid of kidney stones through urinating. This drug is also used to treat bladder problems in women.

How to use Tamsulosin?

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if any from your pharmacist before you start taking this medicine and each time you buy it again. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication as directed by your doctor, usually once a day, 30 minutes before meals. Swallow the whole drug immediately. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules.

The dosage is based on your health condition and response to therapy.

Tamsulosia can cause a sudden drop in your blood pressure, which can cause dizziness or fainting. This risk is higher when you first use this drug, after your doctor increases your dose, or if you restart therapy after you stop using it. During this time, avoid situations where you could get injured or pass out.

Use this remedy regularly for maximum benefits. To help you, use it every day at the same time.

If you don't use this medication for several days, call your doctor to see if you should start from a smaller dose.

It may take 4 weeks for your symptoms to improve. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Tamsulosin?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Tamsulosin dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Tamsulosin for adults?

Initial dose: 0.4 mg orally once a day

Maximum dose: 0.8 mg orally once a day

What is the dosage of Tamsulosin for children?

There is no provision for the dosage of this drug for children. This medicine can be dangerous for children. It is important to understand the safety of drugs before use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosage is Tamsulosin available?

Tamsulosin is available in the following dosages.

0.4 mg capsule

Tamsulosin side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Tamsulosin?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using tamsulosin and call your doctor if you experience the following serious side effects:

• Feel like passing out
• Chest pain
• Fever, chills, body aches, or flu symptoms
• Pain during erection or erection for 4 hours or more

The less severe side effects include:

• Lightheadedness
• Limp, sleepy
• Headache
• Nausea, diarrhea
• Back pain
• Blurred vision
• Teeth problems
• Sleep disturbance (insomnia)
• Abnormal ejaculation, loss of lust
• Runny nose, sore throat, cough

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Tamsulosin Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Tamsulosin?

In using this drug, the risks of using the drug must be weighed against the benefits obtained. The decision is made by the doctor and you. For this drug, the following should be considered:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine. And also let me know if you have allergies to anything else, such as food, coloring, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the ingredients in the packaging carefully.

Children

Tamsulosin is not indicated for use in children.

Elderly

Research has not pinpointed specific elderly problems, so the benefits are still limited to the elderly.

Is Tamsulosin safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

There is not yet sufficient information about the safety of using this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Tamsulosin Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Tamsulosin?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Although certain drugs cannot be used together, in other cases 2 different drugs can be used simultaneously although drug interactions may occur. In this case, the doctor can change the dose, or other warnings may be needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription drugs.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended, your doctor may not treat you with this medicine or change the medicine you are taking.

• Boceprevir

Using this medication with the following drugs is usually not recommended, but may be needed in some cases. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may have changed the dose or frequency of use of one or both drugs.

• Atazanavir
• Carbamazepine
• Ceritinib
• Clarithromycin
• Cobicistat
• Conivaptan
• Dabrafenib
• Eslicarbazepine Acetate
• Idelalisib
• Indinavir
• Itraconazole
• Ketoconazole
• Lopinavir
• Mitotane
• Nefazodone
• Nelfinavir
• Nilotinib
• Piperaquine
• Posaconazole
• Primidone
• Ritonavir
• Saquinavir
• Siltuximab
• Tadalafil
• Telaprevir
• Telithromycin
• Voriconazole

The interactions with the drugs below can increase the risk of serious side effects, but using both drugs may be the best therapy for you. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may have changed the dose or frequency of use of one or both drugs.

• Acebutolol
• Alprenolol
• Atenolol
• Avanafil
• Betaxolol
• Bevantolol
• Bisoprolol
• Bucindolol
• Carteolol
• Carvedilol
• Celiprolol
• Cimetidine
• Dilevalol
• Esmolol
• Labetalol
• Levobunolol
• Mepindolol
• Metipranolol
• Metoprolol
• Nadolol
• Nebivolol
• Oxprenolol
• Penbutolol
• Pindolol
• Propranolol
• Sildenafil
• Sotalol
• Talinolol
• Tertatolol
• Timolol
• Vardenafil

Can food or alcohol interact with Tamsulosin?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Tamsulosin?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, in particular:

• Sulfa drug allergy — the risk of an allergic reaction is increased in patients with this condition
• Hypotension (low blood pressure) —use with caution. May worsen the condition
• Severe kidney disease
• Liver disease — Use with caution. The effect can be increased due to slower removal of the drug from the body

Tamsulosin overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

• dizzy
• passed out
• blurred vision
• stomach ache
• headache

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.