Tamsulosin MR

Tamsulosin is a selective alpha-1A adrenergic blocker used for the relief of urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). By selectively blocking alpha-1A receptors in the prostate and bladder neck, tamsulosin relaxes smooth muscle in these structures, improving urinary flow and reducing symptoms of hesitancy, weak stream, frequency, and urgency. Its selectivity for the prostate over blood vessels means it causes less postural hypotension than non-selective alpha blockers.

How to Take Tamsulosin

Take one capsule daily, roughly 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Swallow it whole and do not open, crush, or chew the capsule. Taking tamsulosin with food slows its absorption and reduces the risk of a sudden drop in blood pressure, which is most likely around the first few doses.

Take care when standing up quickly, especially when you first start treatment, as tamsulosin can cause dizziness or light-headedness. It is wise to avoid driving until you know how it affects you.

400 mcg (0.4 mg) once daily. Take after food, at the same time each day. Improvement in symptoms is usually noticed within one to two weeks.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Dizziness (especially when standing up quickly)
• Abnormal ejaculation (retrograde ejaculation)
• Runny or blocked nose
• Headache

Retrograde ejaculation (where semen passes into the bladder rather than out of the penis) is common with tamsulosin. It is not harmful, but it is worth knowing about if you are planning to father children. To reduce dizziness, always rise slowly from a seated or lying position.

Inform your ophthalmologist that you are taking tamsulosin before any cataract or glaucoma surgery, as it can cause intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS). Stand up slowly to minimise dizziness.

Contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment, history of orthostatic hypotension, and known hypersensitivity to tamsulosin.