Tamsulosin Side Effects

In Summary

Commonly reported side effects of tamsulosin include: dizziness, nasal congestion, rhinitis, rhinorrhea, sinus congestion, and seasonal allergic rhinitis. Other side effects include: drowsiness. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

For the Consumer

Applies to tamsulosin: oral capsule

As well as its needed effects, tamsulosin may cause unwanted side effects that require medical attention.

Major Side Effects

If any of the following side effects occur while taking tamsulosin, check with your doctor immediately:

More common:

• Cough or hoarseness
• fever or chills
• lower back or side pain
• painful or difficult urination

Less common:

• Chest pain

Rare

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fainting
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• painful or prolonged erection of the penis
• sensation of spinning

Incidence not known:

• Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• blurred vision
• confusion
• diarrhea
• difficult or labored breathing
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• itching
• joint or muscle pain
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• red, irritated eyes
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• sweating
• tightness of the chest
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Minor Side Effects

Some tamsulosin side effects may not need any medical attention. As your body gets used to the medicine these side effects may disappear. Your health care professional may be able to help you prevent or reduce these side effects, but do check with them if any of the following side effects continue, or if you are concerned about them:

More common:

• Abnormal ejaculation
• back pain
• body aches or pain
• congestion
• headache
• lack or loss of strength
• sneezing
• stuffy or runny nose
• tender, swollen glands in the neck
• trouble swallowing
• voice changes

Less common:

• Decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• decreased sexual drive or performance
• drowsiness
• inability to have or keep an erection
• increased cough
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• nausea
• pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• tooth disorder
• trouble sleeping

Incidence not known:

• Constipation
• hives or welts, skin rash
• redness of the skin
• vomiting

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to tamsulosin: oral capsule

General

The most commonly reported side effects were abnormal ejaculation, influenza-like symptoms, headache, dizziness, and rhinitis.^[Ref]

Immunologic

Very common (10% or more): Infection (up to 10.8%)
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Flu like symptoms
Rare (less than 0.1%): Angioedema^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Chest pain
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Orthostatic hypotension
Postmarketing reports: Palpitations, hypotension, atrial fibrillation, arrhythmia, tachycardia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash, pruritus, urticaria
Postmarketing reports: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, skin desquamation^[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 21.1%), dizziness (up to 17.1%)
Common (1% to 10%): Somnolence, insomnia
Rare (less than 0.1%): Syncope
Frequency not reported: Vertigo^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Very common (10% or more): Abnormal ejaculation (up to 18.1%)
Common (1% to 10%): Ejaculation disorders, including retrograde ejaculation and ejaculation failure
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Semen volume reduced, ejaculation delayed
Postmarketing reports: Priapism^[Ref]

Respiratory

Very common (10% or more): Rhinitis (up to 17.9%)
Common (1% to 10%): Pharyngitis, Increased cough, sinusitis
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nasal congestion
Postmarketing reports: Dyspnea, epistaxis^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Common (1% to 10%): Back pain^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, nausea, tooth disorder
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Constipation, vomiting
Frequency not reported: Dry mouth^[Ref]

Ocular

Common (1% to 10%): Blurred vision
Postmarketing reports: Visual impairment, intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS)^[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, decreased libido
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Fatigue^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia^[Ref]

It is possible that some side effects of tamsulosin may not have been reported. These can be reported to the FDA here. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.