Tamsulosin

Common Brand Names

Tamcontin, Tamsulon, Tamlosin, Tamsolin, Amso, Maxflow, Harnal OCAS, Tamurex, Contiflo 

Overview

Tamsulosin belongs to a group of medicines called alpha blockers.

It's used to treat men with symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostate enlargement). It's also occasionally taken to treat kidney stones and prostatitis.

Alpha blockers reduce blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels so blood can pass through them more easily.

Tamsulosin helps to reduce the symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland by relaxing the muscle around the bladder and prostate gland so you can pee more easily.

This medicine is available on prescription in some countries.

Important Facts

• When you first take tamsulosin, you may feel dizzy or light-headed, or start sweating. If this happens it's best to sit or lie down until your feel better. Do not drink alcohol, drive, cycle or use tools or machinery.
• You'll take tamsulosin once a day, usually in the morning after breakfast or the first meal of the day.
• The main side effects of tamsulosin are feeling dizzy and problems when ejaculating (such as little or no semen).

• Alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effect of tamsulosin, which can make you feel dizzy or light-headed. It's best to stop drinking alcohol until you see how the medicine affects you.