Tamsulosin is an active substance belonging to the alpha-blocker class, used for the treatment of symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It relaxes the smooth muscle of the prostate and urethra, thereby increasing urinary flow, improving voiding and storage symptoms. The effects have a rapid onset. The most common adverse effect is dizziness. Occasionally, blood pressure may be lowered, leading to palpitations, weakness, and rarely brief loss of consciousness. Cardiovascular side effects are reported to occur less frequently compared with other alpha-blockers.
Tamsulosin (ATC G04CA02) acts as a competitive antagonist at postsynaptic α1-adrenoreceptors, thereby relaxing the smooth muscle of the prostate and urethra. This increases urinary flow and improves voiding and storage symptoms.
Due to its selectivity for the α1A receptor (urinary tract) over the α1B receptor (blood vessels), fewer cardiovascular side effects are expected compared with other alpha-blockers. The effects occur rapidly — within hours to days — in contrast to 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. Tamsulosin has no effect on prostate size; it is effective only against symptoms.
⚠️ Warnings
•Prostate cancer should be ruled out before starting the therapy.
It may cause a complication called intra operative floppy iris syndrome in patients who undergoes cataract surgery.
It may cause low blood pressure and fainting in standing position especially with first dose, or if dosage is increased or an antihypertensive drug or a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor is added to the treatment regimen.
Caution needed when used in patients with sulfa allergy, pregnancy, breastfeeding, liver or kidney impairment, and children.
• It may cause dizziness, do not drive or operate machinery while taking this medication.
• Take this medication in whole. Do not crush.
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