Tamsulosin at a glance
Medicine class
Selective alpha-1 adrenoceptor blocker.
Licensed role
Relief of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostate enlargement.
How supplied
Prolonged- or modified-release tablets and capsules.
Swallowing and food
Swallow whole. Food instructions differ between products, so follow the dispensing label and leaflet.
What is Tamsulosin used for?
UK products are licensed for urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Licensed: functional or lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostate enlargement.
Tamsulosin is sometimes used outside its licence to help ureteric or kidney stones pass.
How does Tamsulosin work?
Tamsulosin selectively blocks alpha-1 receptors, particularly alpha-1A receptors, in smooth muscle around the prostate and urethra. This reduces muscle tension and resistance to urine flow. It relieves symptoms but does not shrink the prostate.
Tamsulosin preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 400 micrograms
Modified-release tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 400 micrograms
How to take Tamsulosin
Follow the dispensing label and leaflet for the exact product because food instructions vary between formulations.
Swallow the tablet or capsule whole with water.
Take it while sitting or standing rather than lying down.
Do not crush, chew, break or pull apart modified- or prolonged-release products.
Check the leaflet before changing brands or formulations.
Tamsulosin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Dizziness, particularly when standing up
- Reduced, absent or backward ejaculation
Get urgent medical advice
- Fainting or marked postural hypotension
- Angioedema or another severe allergic reaction
- A prolonged painful erection
- Severe blistering, peeling or widespread skin reaction
Tamsulosin in pregnancy
These products are not indicated for women. Tamsulosin is occasionally used outside its licence for stones or bladder problems, but it is not usually recommended during pregnancy because human evidence is limited. Anyone pregnant, planning pregnancy or becoming pregnant while taking it should request a medication review rather than stopping without advice.
Tamsulosin while breastfeeding
Evidence during breastfeeding is limited. Use may be acceptable for a healthy baby after discussion with a doctor or pharmacist, although an alternative with more evidence may be offered. Seek advice if the baby feeds poorly, is unusually sleepy or appears unusually pale.
Tamsulosin interactions
Check for medicines that lower blood pressure or alter tamsulosin metabolism. Evidence about herbal interactions is limited.
Other alpha-blockers
Combining them can increase postural hypotension, dizziness or fainting.
Antihypertensives, nitrates, baclofen, levodopa and anaesthetic agents
Additive blood-pressure lowering may cause dizziness, weakness or syncope.
Common questions about Tamsulosin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is tamsulosin hydrochloride used for?
Its licensed role is relieving urinary symptoms associated with benign prostate enlargement.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.