A common problem that many men face as they age is difficulty urinating. You need to urinate frequently, but the urine comes out slowly, or the stream is very weak. The main reason for this is an enlarged prostate gland. So, a medicine that doctors often prescribe to treat this condition is called Tamsulosin. Today, we will talk about this medicine in simple terms.
What kind of medicine is Tamsulosin?
Simply put, Tamsulosin is a medication that is used to control the symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) . It belongs to a class of drugs called alpha blockers .
This medicine works by relaxing the muscles in your prostate and bladder. Imagine a blocked water pipe, and it's hard to urinate. This medicine works by loosening the blockage. Then, urine can flow out of your bladder without any obstruction. This will greatly reduce the difficulty you have in urinating.
The most important thing is that this is not a cure for prostate cancer. It only reduces the discomfort caused by an enlarged prostate.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before giving you Tamsulosin, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. Be sure to tell them about any of the following conditions:
| Situation you need to report | Why is that? (Importance) |
|---|---|
| Advanced kidney or liver disease | These organs are where the body gets rid of drugs. If their function is impaired, the dosage of the drug may need to be adjusted. |
| Low blood pressure | This medicine can cause blood pressure to drop even lower, which can increase the risk of dizziness and other symptoms. |
| Prostate cancer | Although the symptoms are similar, the treatments are completely different, so an accurate diagnosis is essential. |
| Allergies to Tamsulosin, sulfa drugs, or other substances | If you are allergic to this medicine or similar medicines, it can be dangerous. |
Other points
Although this medication is usually prescribed for men, don't be surprised if your doctor asks about other medications you're taking and asks about women. It's a normal process.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
- Take this medicine exactly as your doctor has prescribed. It is best to take it at the same time every day, about 30 minutes after a meal . For example, make it a habit to take it every morning after breakfast.
- Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Never break, chew, or crush the capsule. Doing so may cause the medicine to be absorbed into the body too quickly and may cause unwanted side effects.
- Don't stop taking the medicine until the doctor tells you to.
- If you are giving this medicine to children, talk to your doctor about it, as special care is required.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose. If you have not taken your medicine for several days, ask your doctor about the correct dose before starting again.
What other things can interact with this medicine?
Tamsulosin can interact with some other medications you are taking. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed by other doctors, over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, vitamins).
| Medications that require special attention | |
|---|---|
| Medication for high blood pressure | Medications for sexual dysfunction (e.g. Sildenafil, Tadalafil) |
| Other types of alpha-blockers (e.g. Doxazosin, Prazosin) | Antifungals (e.g. Ketoconazole) |
| Warfarin (a medicine used to prevent blood clotting) | Other medications such as Cimetidine, Fluoxetine |
This list is not complete, so it is very important to inform your doctor about everything you are taking.
Things to consider when taking the medicine
- Dizziness and lightheadedness: You may feel dizzy and lightheaded when you start taking this medicine, especially after the first dose or after increasing the dose. This may be worse when you get up from a sitting or standing position suddenly.
- Painful erection: A rare but very serious side effect is a prolonged or painful erection that lasts more than 4 hours. This is a medical emergency. If this happens, you should go to the Emergency Department (ETU) immediately to prevent permanent damage.
- Cataract surgery: If you are planning to have cataract surgery, be sure to tell your eye surgeon that you are taking Tamsulosin.
- Tamsulosin is a medication used to treat urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate.
- Swallow the capsule whole, at the same time every day, about 30 minutes after a meal. Do not break or chew.
- You may experience dizziness when you first start taking the medication. Therefore, be careful when driving or doing hazardous activities.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience painful erections that last more than 4 hours, consider it an emergency and go to a hospital immediately.
- Never stop taking medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. If you feel dizzy, sit down until you feel better. This will usually go away over time as your body adjusts to the medicine.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, Tamsulosin can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Painful erection lasting more than 4 hours | This is a medical emergency. |
| Usually does not require medical treatment (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Normal dizziness | Headache |
| Nasal congestion or runny nose | Changes in sexual function or desire. |
This list does not include all side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor.
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