Tamsulosin
Generic Flomax
Tamsulosin (tam SOO loe sin) is a generic medication prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (enlarged prostate). It’s also available as the brand-name Flomax. Tamsulosin belongs to a group of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers.
Tamsulosin (tam SOO loe sin) is a generic medication prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (enlarged prostate). It’s also available as the brand-name Flomax. Tamsulosin belongs to a group of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers.
- Generic
- • Capsule
- • .4mg
- • 30 Capsules
Dosage settings
Set your dosage
Make sure your dosage values are correct! In order for Optum Perks to provide the most accurate discount pricing for your prescription, take a moment to verify your dosage above.
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
Introduction
Written by Skyler Todd, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, PharmD
Updated on June 28, 2023
This article describes tamsulosin’s uses, side effects, and more. You’ll also find coupon options to help save on the cost of tamsulosin.
Uses of tamsulosin
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as tamsulosin for certain conditions. Approved uses for tamsulosin are described below.
Use for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Doctors may prescribe tamsulosin oral capsules for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is also called an enlarged prostate. It’s a condition that affects adult males.* Doctors usually prescribe tamsulosin as a long-term treatment.
Doctors may not prescribe tamsulosin oral capsules in certain situations, such as hypertension.
* In this article, we use the term “male” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.
Side effects of tamsulosin
Tamsulosin may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of tamsulosin and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about tamsulosin’s side effects, see this article or ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for tamsulosin listed in the “Article resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with tamsulosin oral capsules are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about tamsulosin’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for tamsulosin listed in the “Article resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Tamsulosin oral capsule’s mild side effects include:
- headache
- dizziness
- runny nose
- back pain
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for tamsulosin” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of tamsulosin are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about tamsulosin’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for tamsulosin listed in the “Article resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, tamsulosin’s serious side effects include:
- priapism (long lasting and sometimes painful erection)
- difficulty with ejaculation
- cold and flu-like symptoms
- vision problems
- orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when you stand up)
- chest pain
- severe allergic reaction†
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for tamsulosin” section.
Common questions about tamsulosin
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about tamsulosin.
What is tamsulosin’s mechanism of action? How does the drug work?
Doctors prescribe tamsulosin to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also called an enlarged prostate. BPH can cause problems with urination and occurs when smooth muscle in the bladder and prostate tightens. The drug belongs to a class called alpha-adrenergic blockers.
Tamsulosin’s mechanism of action (how it works) is to block alpha-1 receptors (attachment sites on the smooth muscle) so that smooth muscle in the bladder and prostate will relax. Tamsulosin prevents norepinephrine from attaching to the receptors. By blocking norepinephrine, it relaxes smooth muscles and helps lower blood pressure in the prostate, which helps urine flow.
Tamsulosin may start working within 5 hours of taking your first dose. However, it may take up to 5 days to see a difference in your symptoms.
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is it safe to take tamsulosin together with dutasteride?
Yes, it’s generally safe to take tamsulosin with dutasteride as your doctor prescribes. These medications are sometimes used together to treat BPH. The combination of drugs is also available as the brand-name drug Jalyn.
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor.
Can tamsulosin be used for kidney stones?
Tamsulosin is only FDA-approved to treat BPH. However, doctors may prescribe tamsulosin off-label for kidney stones. (Off-label use is when doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than its approved uses.)
Talk with your doctor for more information.
Is tamsulosin safe for older adults?
Tamsulosin is generally safe for older adults. In studies, there were no differences in safety between adults over 65 years and younger adults.
However, some older adults may be more sensitive to tamsulosin. If you have kidney problems, particularly severe kidney disease, or other health conditions, you should talk with your doctor to determine whether tamsulosin is safe for you.
How does tamsulosin compare with Viagra?
Tamsulosin and Viagra are approved to treat different conditions. Tamsulosin treats BPH, whereas Viagra treats erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is a possible side effect of tamsulosin. If you experience this side effect, your doctor may prescribe Viagra.
For more information about Viagra, talk with your doctor.
Interactions and warnings for tamsulosin
Below, you’ll find information about tamsulosin’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of tamsulosin
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take tamsulosin, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for tamsulosin” section below.
Warnings for tamsulosin
Some people should not take tamsulosin, and others should take it cautiously.
Tamsulosin could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether tamsulosin is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for tamsulosin, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Tamsulosin can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to tamsulosin or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe tamsulosin. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to tamsulosin, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of tamsulosin
If you take tamsulosin by mouth, you should not take more than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much tamsulosin, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and tamsulosin
Information about tamsulosin and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Note: In this article, we use the term “male” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.
Tamsulosin and pregnancy
Tamsulosin is only approved to treat adult males. There’s no information available for use in pregnancy. Talk with your doctor for more information.
Tamsulosin and breastfeeding
Tamsulosin is only approved to treat adult males. There’s no information available for use while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor for more information.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes tamsulosin’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about tamsulosin or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Am I at risk for certain side effects while I take tamsulosin?
- Could you prescribe other medications to treat my condition that cost less than tamsulosin?
- How should I take tamsulosin?
Article resources
- Tamsulosin hydrochloride oral capsule. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/f185abfc-367d-45da-87c4-86d9f70bcd5d/spl-doc
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
New! No Prescription? No problem.
Affordable Online Care is here! Answer a few questions about your concern and receive a treatment plan in as little as 15 minutes, from a board-certified provider, 100% online.
Learn more