Tamsulosin CR

Uses of  Tamsulosin CR

Tamsulosin is an alpha-blocker primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate.

Tamsulosin helps relax muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate and reduces symptoms like difficulty urinating, weak stream, and frequent urination (especially at night).

Precautions and Warnings

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking tamsulosin?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if tamsulosin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Planned Eye Surgery. Taking tamsulosin may raise the risk of eye problems during or after cataract or glaucoma surgery. Tell your healthcare provider if you are planning to have eye surgery. They may recommend that you wait until after the surgery is over to start tamsulosin.

Severe Kidney Problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems now or in the past. It is not known if tamsulosin is safe to take if you have severe kidney problems. Your healthcare provider may not recommend tamsulosin if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be.

Severe Liver Problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have liver problems now or in the past. They may not prescribe tamsulosin if your liver is not working as well as it should be. It is not known if tamsulosin is safe to take if you have severe liver problems.

Low Blood Pressure. Taking tamsulosin may cause brief episodes of low blood pressure, which may result in dizziness or fainting. If you already have low blood pressure, this side effect may be more severe or more likely to occur. Tell your healthcare provider if you have problems with low blood pressure. They can determine if tamsulosin is safe for you to take.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Tamsulosin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking tamsulosin, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Sulfa Allergy. While rare, some people that have a sulfa allergy may also be allergic to tamsulosin. A sulfa allergy is a rash or more serious reaction to sulfa, or sulfonamide, medicines. Examples of sulfa medicines include sulfamethoxazole, sulfadiazine silver, or sulfasalazine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any allergies to medicines. They can help you decide if it is safe for you to take tamsulosin.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how tamsulosin could affect pregnancy or an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if tamsulosin passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Dosage

Recommended dosage for Tamsulosin CR for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in adults is 0.4 mg once daily.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Nasal congestion or runny nose
• Retrograde ejaculation
• Mild stomach discomfort

Serious Side Effects:

• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Swelling in the hands, feet, or ankles
• Abnormal heartbeat (palpitations)
• Back pain or muscle pain