How and when to take tamsulosin - Brand names: Contiflo XL, Faramsil MR, Flomaxtra XL, Pamsvax XL, Tabphyn MR

Tamsulosin comes as slow-release tablets and capsules (also called modified release, prolonged release, MR or XL).

This means the medicine is released into your body gradually.

Dosage

The usual dose of tamsulosin for enlarged prostate and kidney stones is 400 micrograms, once a day. The word microgram is sometimes written with the Greek symbol μ followed by the letter g (μg). A microgram is 1,000 times smaller than a milligram (mg).

How to take it

Take your tamsulosin capsules or tablets with a drink of water while either sitting or standing. Swallow them whole. Do not break, chew or crush them.

If you can, take tamsulosin in the morning, after breakfast or the first meal or snack of the day. This is because the highest levels of medicine are in your body 6 hours after you take it. This will give you the most benefit during the daytime when you're most likely trying to pee.

It's best to take it at about the same time each day.

How long to take it for

How long you take it for depends on why you're taking it.

For an enlarged prostate, if tamsulosin is helping your symptoms, you can continue to take it long term. Your doctor may check every few months that you're still having relief from symptoms.

For kidney stones, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it if your kidney stones have gone or if the medicine is not helping you. Your doctor may check every few months that you're still having relief from symptoms.

Talk to a doctor if you want to stop taking tamsulosin. Stopping suddenly could make your symptoms come back.

If you're bothered by side effects, the doctor may be able to prescribe a different medicine.

If you forget to take it

If you miss a dose of tamsulosin, and you remember on the same day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

If you take too much

Taking too much tamsulosin can decrease your blood pressure and increase your heart rate. If this happens to you, lying down might help return your blood pressure and heart rate to normal.