How does tamsulosin work?
Tamsulosin is a type of medicine known as an alpha blocker (or alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonist).
If you have an enlarged prostate gland it helps by relaxing the muscle around the bladder and prostate gland, making it easier to pee.
In some cases it can also be used to help ease the passing of kidney stones through the urinary tract.
Are there any long-term side effects?
Tamsulosin is generally safe to take for a long time. In fact, it works best when you take it for a long time.
What will happen if I stop taking it?
Stopping tamsulosin suddenly can make your condition worse as your symptoms may return.
Talk to a doctor if you want to stop taking tamsulosin.
If you're bothered by side effects, the doctor may be able to prescribe a different medicine.
If you stop taking tamsulosin, it will take 2 to 3 days for it to be completely out of your body.
How does tamsulosin compare with other medicines for enlarged prostate?
There are a few other medicines that can help with symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
There are other alpha blockers such as alfuzosin, doxazosin, terazosin, indoramin and prazosin.
Other medicines for enlarged prostate are 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, also known as dihydrotestosterone inhibitors – for example finasteride and dutasteride.
Some people may need to take a combination of an alpha blocker and a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor if a single medicine is not helping their symptoms.
Will I need to stop taking tamsulosin before surgery?
If you're going to have cataract or glaucoma surgery, tell the doctor that you're taking tamsulosin in advance.
The doctor may advise you to stop taking tamsulosin 1 or 2 weeks before surgery. This is because tamsulosin may cause complications during the cataract or glaucoma operation.
For any other surgery, ask the nurse or doctor at your pre-assessment appointment if you need to stop taking tamsulosin.
Will it affect my contraception?
Tamsulosin does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.
Will it affect my sex life?
Tell a doctor or pharmacist if you are taking medicines for erectile dysfunction (impotence) such as sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil. You may find that tamsulosin makes you feel dizzy or light-headed.
If you're having problems with your sex life after taking tamsulosin, talk to a doctor.
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Tamsulosin can make you feel dizzy or light-headed, especially when you first start taking it. If this happens to you, do not drive, cycle or use machinery or tools until you feel better.
It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking tamsulosin. GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving.
Can I drink alcohol while taking tamsulosin?
Drinking alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effect of tamsulosin, which can make you feel dizzy or light-headed.
During the first few days of taking tamsulosin, it's best to stop drinking alcohol until you see how the medicine affects you.
If you find taking tamsulosin makes you feel dizzy, it's best to stop drinking alcohol.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
During the first few days of taking tamsulosin, it's best not to drink alcohol until you see how the medicine affects you.
Other than that, you can eat and drink normally while taking tamsulosin.
It's important to take tamsulosin after breakfast. If you do not eat breakfast, take your medicine after your first meal or snack of the day.
Can lifestyle changes help symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland?
Making some simple changes to your lifestyle can help with symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland.
- Drink fewer fizzy drinks and less alcohol, caffeine and artificial sweeteners – they can irritate the bladder and make urinary symptoms worse.
- Quit smoking – nicotine can irritate the bladder and make urinary symptoms worse.
- Drink less in the evening – try to reduce the amount you drink and avoid drinking anything for 2 hours before bedtime. This might help you avoid getting up in the night. Make sure you're still drinking enough fluids earlier in the day.
- Empty your bladder – remember to go to the toilet before long journeys or other situations when you know you may not be able to reach a toilet easily.
- Try double voiding – wait a few moments after you have finished peeing, then try to go again. It can help you empty your bladder properly (but take care not to strain or push).
- Check your medicines – ask a doctor whether any medicines you take, such as antidepressants or decongestants, may be making your urinary symptoms worse.
- Eat more fruit and fibre – this can help you avoid constipation. Being constipated can put pressure on the bladder and make your symptoms worse.