How does it work?

Tamsulosin hydrochloride belongs to a class of medicines called alpha blockers. It works by blocking alpha receptors in certain areas of the body. Alpha receptors are present on the muscle in the prostate gland. This gland is found only in men and lies at the top of the tube connecting the bladder to the outside (urethra). The prostate gland often enlarges with advancing age (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and presses on the urethra. This can cause urinary symptoms such as poor flow of urine. By blocking the alpha receptors, tamsulosin causes the muscle in the prostate to relax. This allows urine to flow freely past the prostate and relieves the urinary symptoms.

What is it used for?

Enlarged prostate gland

Warning!

The first dose of this medicine may cause dizziness, light-headedness or fainting. For this reason you should take the first dose, and preferably each dose, just before retiring to bed at night. Take care when moving from lying down to sitting or standing, particularly if you wake up in the night, until you know how this medicine affects you. If you feel dizzy or light-headed at any time during treatment, sit or lie down until the symptoms pass.

This medicine may cause dizziness and so may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

Use with caution in

Severely decreased kidney function

Not to be used in

History of drops in blood pressure when moving from sitting to standing, which causes dizziness (postural hypotension)

Severely decreased liver function

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is for use by men only. It should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Label warnings

This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

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