What does it do?
Tamsulosin is used to treat trouble peeing in men caused by an enlarged prostate.
How should you take it?
Take tamsulosin regularly as directed with a glass of water. Swallow the capsules whole. You can take tamsulosin with or without food, but take it the same way each time.
What if you forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on as normal. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Can you take other medicines?
Some medicines available without a prescription may react with tamsulosin including:
- sildenafil (e.g. Viagra®) or similar medicines
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.
What side effects might you notice?
| Side Effects | Recommended action |
|---|---|
|
Chest pain Prolonged erection (longer than four hours) |
Tell your doctor immediately |
|
Headache, dizziness |
Tell your doctor |
|
Changes in sexual function Tiredness or weakness Blurred vision Runny or blocked nose Stomach upset |
Tell your doctor if troublesome |
|
Lightheaded or dizzy after standing up |
Stand up slowly. If it continues, or is severe, tell your doctor |
If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
Other information:
- Tell your doctor if you have problems with dizziness, liver or heart problems, or prostate cancer.
- Tamsulosin may make you dizzy or sleepy and make it dangerous to drive, operate machinery or do other activities that require you to be alert. Limit alcohol intake because it can increase these effects.
- If you are having eye surgery (e.g. cataract operation), tell your doctor that you are taking tamsulosin.
This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.
Prepared by the PILs Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Canterbury District Health Board, New Zealand. June 2018
For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
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About My Medicines
My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.
For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
My Medicines is developed by a team at the Canterbury District Health Board. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed