What is Tamsulosin?
Tamusolin is an alpha-blocker that relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, which makes it easier to urinate. It helps in relieving symptoms of BPH, such as difficulty in the flow of urine, weak stream, and urge to urinate regularly. It is used for improving urination in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The FDA does not approve tamsulosin medications for women or children.
Tamsulosin Uses
Men use Tamsulosin for the treatment of an enlarged prostate. It doesn’t shrink the prostate, but it works by relaxing the prostate and bladder. Tamsulosin helps relieve the symptoms of BPH, such as difficulty in the flow of urine and weak stream.
Side Effects of Tamsulosin
Some of the common side effects of Tamsulosin are
Some of the common side effects of tacrolimus are
- Sleepiness
- Weakness
- Back pain
- Diarrhea
- Runny nose
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty ejaculating
Some of the severe side effects of Tamsulosin are:
- Painful erection of the penis which lasts for hours
- Rash
- Itching
- Hives
- Swelling of eyes, face and ankles
If you have any of these symptoms, immediately contact a dermatologist. In any case, if you get any reactions in your body, avoid Tamsulosin.
The specialists advise you to take the medicines after seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine, which are greater than the side effects. Most people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you experience any serious side effects from Tamsulosin.
Precautions Before Taking Tamsulosin
The product may contain inactive ingredients that cause serious allergic reactions or problems. Before using Tamsulosin, speak to your doctor if you are allergic to any medicine or have any medical history of:
- Low blood pressure
- Eye problems (Cataracts, Glaucoma)
Tamsulosin can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and spinning sensations. One can face these issues if the dosage increases.
Who Can Take Tamsulosin?
- Adults can take Tamsulosin, i.e., above the age of 18.
- Avoid giving the medication to the children unless you get any advice from the doctors.
- Tamsulosin is not suitable for all people. Take the advice of the doctor before taking it.
How to Take Tamsulosin?
Tamsulosin comes in the form of an oral capsule. The dosage will depend on the factors like:
- Age
- The condition being treated for
- The severity of the condition
- Medical conditions of a person
- How you react to your first dose
Take Tamsulosin as prescribed by the doctor. The doctor may sometimes change your dosage for the best results. Avoid taking the medicines in larger or small amounts.
Tamsulosin is usually taken once a day, 30 minutes after a meal. Take the Tamulosin tablets at the same time every day. Don’t crush, chew or open the tablets if you are not using them. Swallow the full capsule, and don’t break it.
Sometimes, Tamsulosin tablets can lower blood pressure and can cause dizziness and fainting. Talk to your doctor immediately if you are feeling severe dizziness.
Regular dosages for tamsulosin hydrochloride are:
- The minimum dosage should be 0.4 mg orally (once a day)
- The maximum dosage should be 0.8 mg orally (once a day)
Dosage of Tamsulosin
Tamsulosin HCL is available in both generic form and brand form
- Generic:Tamsulosin
- Form:Oral Capsule
- Strength:0.4 mg
- Brand:Flomax
- Form:Oral Capsule
- Strength: 0.4 mg
Who can use: All adults (ages 18-64 yrs)
Typical Dosage of Tamsulosin
- 0.4 mg capsule daily
- The starting dosage should be 0.4 once daily after 30 minutes of a meal.
- If taken on an empty stomach, most of the medication gets absorbed. It can have a significant effect and drop blood pressure levels.
- Tamsulosin dosage can be increased to 0.8 mg once daily after 2 to 4 weeks if there is no adequate response. Tamsulosin tablets should not be chewed, crushed, or opened.
Missed Dose
Missing one or two doses of Tamulosin won’t affect your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. However, some medications won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose, some sudden chemical change may affect your body. Sometimes, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose of Tamsulosin
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Tamulosin tablets, there is a chance of harming your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Interactions of Tamsulosin Medicine
Drug interactions can cause Tacrolimus to function differently, or it can put you at risk for severe adverse effects. Please keep a record of all the medications you use (including prescription and nonprescription medicines, as well as herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not begin, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Warnings for Serious Health Conditions:
Pregnancy
There is no proper study regarding Allantoin cream during pregnancy. But to be extra sure of the products and the benefits, talk to your doctor before applying them.
Breastfeeding
There is no proper study regarding Allantoin cream during Breastfeeding. Be careful while applying it on the skin and avoid using the cream near the breast as it can cause some harmful effects on your baby.
Storage
- Avoid direct contact with heat, air and light; exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects
- Keep it safe and out of children’s reach
- Tamsulosin capsules should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC)
Before Taking Tamsulosin:
- Consult your doctor. If you face any problems or side effects after taking Tamsulosin, rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment.
- Always carry your medications in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies.
- Follow your prescription and follow your doctor’s advice whenever you take Tamsulosin.
| Tamsulosin | Alfuzosin |
|---|---|
| Tamusolin is an alpha-blocker that relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, which makes it easier to urinate. This helps relieve symptoms of BPH, such as difficulty in the flow of urine, weak stream, and urge to urinate regularly. | Men use Alfuzosin for the treatment of enlarged prostate, which includes difficulty in urinating, painful urination and frequent urination. |
| Men use Tamsulosin for the treatment of an enlarged prostate. It doesn’t shrink the prostate, but it works by relaxing the prostate and bladder. | Alfuzosin helps in relieving the symptoms of BPH, like difficulty while urinating, weak stream and urge to urinate. |
Some of the serious side effects of Tamsulosin are:
|
Some of the serious side effects of Alfuzosin are:
|
Citations
Comparison of tamsulosin with alfuzosin in the treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of bladder outlet obstruction (symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia)RANDOMIZED TRIAL OF THE EFFICACY OF TAMSULOSIN, NIFEDIPINE AND PHLOROGLUCINOL IN MEDICAL EXPULSIVE THERAPY FOR DISTAL URETERAL CALCULI | Journal of Urology
Absorption, metabolism and excretion of tamsulosin hydrochloride in man: Xenobiotica: Vol 26, No 6
