Index
It is in a group of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers.
Chemical formula
The active ingredient in tamsulosin is tamsulosin C20H28N2O5S.
Presentation
Tamsulosin comes as a 0.4 mg controlled-release capsule. To take orally.
Indications
Tamsulosin is used in male patients to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate).
Also, for the treatment of symptoms associated with the lower urinary tract, which include:
- Difficulty urinating (a weak flow, hesitation, dribbling, and incomplete emptying of the bladder).
- Urination with pain.
- Frequent urination
- Urinary urgency.
Mechanism of action
Tamsulosin works by relaxing the muscles of the bladder and prostate, improving the flow of urine.
Dose
Tamsulosin is usually taken once a day.
Tamsulosin should be administered as prescribed by the doctor. It should be taken neither more nor less, nor more often than what the doctor has prescribed.
Usually, the treatment will start with a low dose of tamsulosin; the doctor will increase the amount he sees fit after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment.
Side effects
- Sore throat and trouble swallowing.
- Back or chest pain
- Fatigue.
- Sickness.
If these side effects are mild, they can go away in a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they do not disappear, you should go to the doctor.
The severe side effects are:
- Priapism.
- Flu-like symptoms.
- Blurry vision.
- Low blood pressure makes you feel dizzy when changing positions.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, do so slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
You should tell your doctor right away if you have serious side effects, such as fainting.
Stop using this medicine and seek medical help immediately, or permanent problems could occur.
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as a rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, and throat), severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
Warnings and Contraindications
Before taking tamsulosin, you should inform your doctor if you are allergic, if you have low blood pressure problems, or if you have specific eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma, among others.
Tamsulosin can make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you feel more dizzy or sleepy.
Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs to be alert until the effects of the medicine have worn off and you can safely do so.
During pregnancy, this medicine should only be used when needed.
There is no research to support that the drug passes into breast milk, so its administration in babies is not safe. The risks and benefits of using tamsulosin should be discussed with your doctor.
Tamsulosin is contraindicated in cases of:
- Known hypersensitivity to tamsulosin and other components of the formulation.
- History of orthostatic hypotension.
- Severe liver failure
- For use by women.
- For children under 16 years of age.
Interactions
Some products may interact with this medicine. Taking certain medications with tamsulosin can increase tamsulosin levels in the body.
This increases the risk of side effects from tamsulosin. Some examples of these medications include:
- Acid-blocking drug.
- Antibiotics
- Antidepressant
- Antifungal medications.
- Medications for erectile dysfunction.
Taking erectile dysfunction medication with tamsulosin can cause external blood pressure. Examples of these medications include:
- Sildenafil.
- Tadalafil.
- Vardenafil.
Taking alfuzosin with tamsulosin could worsen low blood pressure, a side effect of tamsulosin. Symptoms can include dizziness, fainting, and falls.
Taking medicines called alpha-blockers with tamsulosin can cause very low blood pressure. Examples of alpha-blockers include:
- The doxazosin .
- The prazosin
