Tamsulosin
Alpha Blocker
At a Glance
- Same active ingredient found in Flomax®
- Taken orally to reduce the size of an enlarged prostate
- Also prescribed to treat male urinary incontinence
- Available in 0.4mg capsules, prescription required
The Details
Tamsulosin is an Alpha Blocker that works to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by improving urine flow and prostate function. For BPH and urinary incontinence associated with BPH, Tamsulosin is often a first-line treatment prescribed by physicians.
What to know about Tamsulosin
How it Works
Tamsulosin is prescribed in 0.4mg capsules and is usually taken daily 30 minutes after a meal. Tamsulosin helps reduce the symptoms of an enlarged prostate by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder allowing urine to flow more freely.
Who is it for?
Alpha blocker medications like Tamsulosin are used to treat the negative symptoms men may experience from an enlarged prostate (BPH). These can include difficulty urinating, painful urination, and urinary frequency.
Effectiveness
One study of Tamsulosin’s effects on BPH symptoms reported a more than a 30% improvement in peak urinary flow rate. For urinary incontinence associated with BPH, most men see results from 0.4mg but in more severe cases, it may require a 0.8mg dose to see effects.1
1. NIH National Library of Medicine, Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Tamsulosin for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Tamsulosin Side Effects
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Sinus congestion
- Difficulty ejaculating
- Sexual dysfunction
Good to know
Tamsulosin can commonly cause dizziness so until you know the effects it has, patients should refrain from driving or operating heavy machinery after taking the medication. It can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up which can lead to increased fall risk.
Level Up Your Knowledge
Helpful Articles
Off The Record – I wet the bed
Urinary leakage isn't just a woman thing, its a bladder thing and guys have one too. In this OTR column guys ask our anonymous urologist about their incontinence treatment options.
How An Enlarged Prostate Affects Your Sexual Health
In this article, Dr. Barbalat discusses the importance of treating the bothersome urinary symptoms of BPH and the longterm complications they can cause, while keeping the patient’s sexual function and goals in mind.
Having trouble urinating? You may have BPH
In this article Dr. Martinez discusses the symptoms of BPH and prostate cancer, and why it's important to see your urologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Ready to get started?
First you’ll need a prescription.
Don’t forget to check these out
Other medication options for BPH
Finasteride
Finasteride is the same active ingredient as Propecia® and Proscar and is used to treat hair loss or BPH in men.
Tadalafil
Same active ingredient found in Cialis. Taken one hour prior to sexual activity. Effective for up to 36 hours.
Available in 5mg and 20mg tablets or lozenges, prescription required.
Boston Scientific GreenLight™ Laser Therapy
A laser used to rapidly heat & vaporize excess prostate tissue, providing a larger channel for urine to pass through. Removing the excess tissue rapidly restores natural urine flow in most patients.
