What is Tamsulosin Hcl: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan. 13, 2021  •  Published Dec. 30, 2020

Tamsulosin Hcl overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Flomax

Generic Names:

  • Tamsulosin Hcl

Uses:

  • Treats benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Agent

Forms:

  • Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Tamsulosin Hcl come in

  • Capsule

What are common Tamsulosin Hcl doses?

  • Capsule 0.4MG

Common Tamsulosin Hcl prescriptions

  • Tamsulosin HCl
    0.4mg capsule

How to take Tamsulosin Hcl

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Take this medicine 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, chew, or open it.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you forget to take this medicine for several days in a row, talk to your doctor before you start taking it again.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take this medicine 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, chew, or open it.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you forget to take this medicine for several days in a row, talk to your doctor before you start taking it again.

Tamsulosin Hcl contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to tamsulosin.

Tamsulosin Hcl warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, low blood pressure, prostate cancer, or an allergy to sulfa drugs.

  • Tell your doctor if you plan to have cataract or glaucoma surgery. This medicine may cause eye problems during surgery.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel dizzy.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Tamsulosin Hcl interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how tamsulosin works. Tell your doctor if you are using another alpha blocker medicine, cimetidine, erythromycin, ketoconazole, paroxetine, terbinafine, warfarin, or medicine for erectile dysfunction.

  • Tell your doctor if you plan to have cataract or glaucoma surgery. This medicine may cause eye problems during surgery.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel dizzy.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Tamsulosin Hcl side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

  • Painful, prolonged erection of your penis

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Headache

  • Runny or stuffy nose

  • Problems with ejaculation