About Tamsulosin 0.4 mg Capsule
Tamsulosin 0.4 mg Capsule contains Tamsulosin 0.4 mg. Tamsulosin is an alpha-blocker used in men to relieve urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH). It makes it easier to pass urine, improves the flow and reduces the need to go often or urgently. It is usually taken once a day after the same meal. It eases symptoms but does not shrink the prostate.
Uses of Tamsulosin 0.4 mg Capsule
- Urinary symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)
- Doctors may also prescribe it to help pass certain kidney stones
Benefits
In enlarged prostate
It relaxes muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, so urine flows more easily. This can mean a stronger stream, less straining and fewer trips to the toilet, including at night.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild. Talk to your doctor if any of them bother you or do not go away.
Common
- Dizziness, especially on standing up
- Problems with ejaculation (less or no semen)
- Runny or blocked nose
- Headache
- Weakness
Get medical help if you notice
- Fainting or severe dizziness when standing up — sit or lie down and contact your doctor
- A painful erection lasting more than 4 hours — seek emergency care
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or a severe skin rash — stop and seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, usually once a day about 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Swallow the capsule whole with water; do not crush, chew or open it.
How it works
Tamsulosin blocks alpha-1A receptors in the smooth muscle of the prostate and bladder neck. This relaxes the muscle, so urine can flow more easily.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
Alcohol can add to dizziness and lower blood pressure. Limit alcohol.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
This medicine is meant for men and is not approved for use in women.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
This medicine is meant for men and is not approved for use in women.
Driving Caution
It can cause dizziness, especially when starting. Do not drive until you know how it affects you.
Kidney Caution
Tell your doctor if you have severe kidney disease.
Liver Caution
It is not recommended in severe liver disease. Tell your doctor about any liver problem.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it later the same day after food. If you miss a whole day, just take the next dose as usual. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Get up slowly from sitting or lying, especially in the first few days.
- If you are planning cataract or glaucoma surgery, tell your eye surgeon you take or have taken tamsulosin.
- Take it after the same meal every day.
- Your doctor may check for prostate cancer before and during treatment, as symptoms can be similar.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Sulfonamide derivative
- Therapeutic class
- Urology
- Action class
- Alpha-1A adrenergic receptor blocker
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Ketoconazole and other strong CYP3A4 blockers | Raise tamsulosin levels and side effects |
| Other alpha-blockers (e.g. prazosin, doxazosin) | Higher risk of low blood pressure and fainting |
| Sildenafil, tadalafil and similar medicines | Higher risk of low blood pressure |
| Other blood pressure medicines | Blood pressure may drop more |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Tamsulosin prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: tamsulosin hydrochloride). Pharmacist review pending.