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Tamsulosin

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You may feel dizzy or lightheaded when standing up or sitting up quickly whilst you are taking tamsulosin - getting up more slowly will help

About tamsulosin

Type of medicine	Alpha-blocker
Used for	The treatment of the symptoms of enlargement of the prostate gland in men
Also called	Bazetham® MR, Diffundox® XL, Flomaxtra® XL, Maxtron MR®, Stronazon® MR, Tabphyn® MR, Alphacard® MR
Available as	Modified release tablets and capsules

Enlargement of the prostate gland can reduce the flow of urine from the bladder and can lead to other urinary problems. Tamsulosin works by relaxing muscles around the bladder and prostate so that urine can be passed more easily.

Before taking tamsulosin

Before taking tamsulosin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
If you feel dizzy or faint when standing up from a sitting or lying position.
If you have ever fainted after passing urine.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take tamsulosin

Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible before beginning treatment.
Swallow the tablet or capsule whole - do not crush or chew it.
Take your dose at the same time each day.
Try not to miss any doses. If you do forget to take a dose, leave out the missed dose and take the next dose on time. Never take two doses together.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

If you are having eye surgery for cataracts (cloudiness) tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking tamsulosin.
Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside tamsulosin.

Can tamsulosin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness or fainting (especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position)	Getting up slowly may help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness returning
Dry mouth	Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice
Drowsiness	Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Headache	Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor

Other side-effects include weakness, depression, sexual problems, feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, constipation, blurred vision, stuffy nose, fast or fluttering heartbeat, rash, itching, or flushing.

How to store tamsulosin

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Where possible take the container with you, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Summary of Product Characteristics, Flomaxtra XL®, Astellas Pharma Ltd, electronic medicines Compendium. Text revised 10 October 2006, accessed 08 October 2007.
Summary of Product Characteristics, Stronazon MR®, Alpharma Ltd, electronic medicines Compendium. Text revised August 2006, accessed 08 October 2007.

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID: 7226

DocRef: dils3929

Last Reviewed: 10 Dec 2007

Version: 5

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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