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Tamsulosin Hydrochloride: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in adult men, such as difficulty urinating, weak urinary stream and more.

Forms:CapsuleTablet

About Tamsulosin Hydrochloride

Indications of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride

Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in adult men, such as difficulty urinating, weak urinary stream, urinary frequency, urgency, and incomplete bladder emptying.

  • FDA-approved / established use: Relief of functional (dynamic) obstructive symptoms of BPH by relaxing smooth muscle in the bladder neck and prostate.
  • Adjunct / combination use: Used together with a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor (e.g. dutasteride or finasteride) in men with an enlarged prostate for more comprehensive symptom control and reduction in risk of BPH progression.
  • Off-label use: Sometimes used off-label to facilitate passage of ureteral (kidney) stones as "medical expulsive therapy," though this is not an FDA-approved indication.

Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is not indicated for the treatment of hypertension and is not indicated for use in women or children, as BPH is a condition specific to the male prostate gland.

Dosage & Administration of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride

Adult Dose (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)

StepDoseNotes
Initial0.4 mg once dailyTake approximately 30 minutes after the same meal every day
If inadequate responseMay increase to 0.8 mg once dailyAfter 2-4 weeks of the initial dose

Administration Instructions

  • Swallow the capsule of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride whole with water; do not crush, chew, or open the capsule, as this may alter the modified-release properties and increase the risk of side effects.
  • Take at approximately the same time each day, about 30 minutes after the same meal (e.g., always after breakfast), for consistent absorption.
  • If therapy with Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is interrupted for several days, restart at the 0.4 mg dose before considering re-titration to 0.8 mg.

Renal Impairment

No dosage adjustment of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is required in mild to moderate renal impairment. Use in severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease has not been well studied; caution is advised.

Hepatic Impairment

No dosage adjustment is required in mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Use in severe hepatic impairment has not been studied and is not recommended.

Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is not indicated for use in women or in children.

Side Effects of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride

The most commonly reported side effects of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride (occurring in ≥2% of patients and more often than with placebo) include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Abnormal ejaculation (including retrograde/decreased ejaculation)
  • Rhinitis (runny or stuffy nose)
  • Asthenia (weakness/fatigue)
  • Back pain
  • Infection (e.g. upper respiratory infection)

Less common but important effects include postural (orthostatic) hypotension and syncope, particularly with the first few doses (see Precautions and Warnings), and rare reports of priapism (a prolonged, painful erection requiring emergency treatment) and intraoperative floppy iris syndrome during cataract surgery.

Contraindications of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride

Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with a known history of hypersensitivity to tamsulosin hydrochloride or to any component of the formulation. Hypersensitivity reactions have included skin rash, urticaria, pruritus, angioedema, and, rarely, severe respiratory or skin reactions (e.g. Stevens-Johnson syndrome has been reported rarely).

Frequently Asked Questions about Tamsulosin Hydrochloride

What is Tamsulosin Hydrochloride used for?

Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is used to relieve urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH) in men, such as difficulty starting urination, weak stream, and frequent urination. It is not used to treat high blood pressure and is not for use in women or children.

How should I take Tamsulosin Hydrochloride?

Take Tamsulosin Hydrochloride once daily, about 30 minutes after the same meal every day, and swallow the capsule whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsule, as this can affect how the medicine is released and increase side effects.

Why do I feel dizzy after starting Tamsulosin Hydrochloride?

Tamsulosin Hydrochloride can lower blood pressure, especially when standing up, which may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, particularly after the first dose or a dose increase. Sit or lie down if you feel dizzy, and avoid driving or hazardous activities until you know how the medicine affects you.

Can I take Tamsulosin Hydrochloride if I am scheduled for cataract surgery?

You must tell your ophthalmologist that you are taking or have previously taken Tamsulosin Hydrochloride before any cataract or glaucoma surgery. It can cause a condition called intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS), which may require your surgeon to adjust their technique.

Can women or children take Tamsulosin Hydrochloride?

No. Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is indicated only for symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia in adult men. It is not indicated for use in women, and safety and efficacy have not been established in children.

What should I do if I miss a dose or stop Tamsulosin Hydrochloride for several days?

If you miss a dose of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride, take it at your next scheduled time; do not double the dose. If therapy has been interrupted for several days, restart at the lower 0.4 mg dose rather than resuming the higher dose, and consult your physician.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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