• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?
TAMSULOSIN (tam SOO loe sin) is used to treat enlargement of the prostate gland in men, a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. It is not for use in women. It works by relaxing muscles in the prostate and bladder neck. This improves urine flow and reduces BPH symptoms.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.

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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash or itching, hives, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• breathing problems
• change in vision
• feeling faint or lightheaded
• irregular heartbeat
• weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• back pain
• change in sex drive or performance
• constipation, nausea or vomiting
• cough
• drowsy
• runny or stuffy nose
• trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth about 30 minutes after the same meal every day. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or open capsules. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you stop taking your medicine for several days or more, ask your doctor or health care professional what dose you should start back on.

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What may interact with this medicine?

• cimetidine
• fluoxetine
• ketoconazole
• medicines for erectile disfunction like sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil
• medicines for high blood pressure
• other alpha-blockers like alfuzosin, doxazosin, phentolamine, phenoxybenzamine, prazosin, terazosin
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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Who should NOT use this medication?

• Known hypersensitivity to tamsulosin or any ingredient in the formulation.

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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. You will need lab work done before you start this medicine and regularly while you are taking it. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your health care professional what your blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her.

This medicine may make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. This is more likely to happen after the first dose, after an increase in dose, or during hot weather or exercise. Drinking alcohol and taking some medicines can make this worse. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly. If you begin to feel dizzy, sit down until you feel better. These effects can decrease once your body adjusts to the medicine.

Although extremely rare in men taking this medicine, contact you doctor immediately if you have a prolonged and painful erection of the penis which is unrelated to sexual activity. If you do not get medical attention, this condition can lead to permanent erectile dysfunction.

If you are thinking of having cataract surgery, tell your eye surgeon that you have taken this medicine.

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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• advanced kidney disease
• advanced liver disease
• low blood pressure
• prostate cancer
• an unusual or allergic reaction to tamsulosin, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
Even though you may feel better you should not stop taking your high blood pressure medication without first checking with your healthcare provider.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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Where can I get more information?
More Information

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