Tamsulosin capsules

What is this medicine?

TAMSULOSIN (tam SOO loe sin) is an alpha blocker. It is used to treat the signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate in men. This condition is also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth about 30 minutes after the same meal every day. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or open capsules. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash or itching, hives, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat

• breathing problems

• change in vision

• feeling faint or lightheaded

• irregular heartbeat

• prolonged or painful erection

• weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• back pain

• change in sex drive or performance

• constipation, nausea or vomiting

• cough

• drowsy

• runny or stuffy nose

• trouble sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

• cimetidine

• fluoxetine

• ketoconazole

• medicines for erectile disfunction like sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil

• medicines for high blood pressure

• other alpha-blockers like alfuzosin, doxazosin, phentolamine, phenoxybenzamine, prazosin, terazosin

• warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you stop taking your medicine for several days or more, ask your doctor or health care professional what dose you should start back on.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• advanced kidney disease

• advanced liver disease

• low blood pressure

• prostate cancer

• an unusual or allergic reaction to tamsulosin, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. You will need lab work done before you start this medicine and regularly while you are taking it. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your health care professional what your blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her.

This medicine may make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. This is more likely to happen after the first dose, after an increase in dose, or during hot weather or exercise. Drinking alcohol and taking some medicines can make this worse. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly. If you begin to feel dizzy, sit down until you feel better. These effects can decrease once your body adjusts to the medicine.

Contact your doctor or health care professional right away if you have an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours or if it becomes painful. This may be a sign of a serious problem and must be treated right away to prevent permanent damage.

If you are thinking of having cataract surgery, tell your eye surgeon that you have taken this medicine.