Generic name: Tamsulosin Capsules [ tam-SOO-loe-sin ]
Brand name: Flomax
Drug class: Alpha blockers

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 12, 2024.

Uses of Tamsulosin Capsules:

• In men, it is used to treat the signs of an enlarged prostate.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Tamsulosin Capsules?

• If you have an allergy to tamsulosin or any other part of this medicine (tamsulosin capsules).
• If you are allergic to this medicine (tamsulosin capsules); any part of this medicine (tamsulosin capsules); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you take any drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) that must not be taken with this medicine (tamsulosin capsules), like certain drugs that are used for HIV, infections, or depression. There are many drugs that must not be taken with this medicine (tamsulosin capsules). Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you if you are taking a drug that must not be taken with this medicine (tamsulosin capsules).
• If you are using another drug like this one. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (tamsulosin capsules).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (tamsulosin capsules) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Tamsulosin Capsules?

For all patients taking this medicine (tamsulosin capsules):

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (tamsulosin capsules). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this medicine (tamsulosin capsules) affects you.
• To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
• If you are having cataract surgery or other eye procedure, talk with your doctor.
• Check your blood pressure as you have been told.
• If taking for an enlarged prostate, have a rectal exam (to check prostate gland) and blood work (PSA test) as you have been told by the doctor.
• If you have a sulfa (sulfonamide) allergy, talk with your doctor.
• This medicine is not approved for use in women. If you are a woman using this medicine (tamsulosin capsules), talk with your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

Children:

• This medicine is not approved for use in children. However, the doctor may decide the benefits of taking this medicine (tamsulosin capsules) outweigh the risks. If your child has been given this medicine (tamsulosin capsules), ask the doctor for information about the benefits and risks. Talk with the doctor if you have questions about giving this medicine (tamsulosin capsules) to your child.

How is this medicine (Tamsulosin Capsules) best taken?

Use this medicine (tamsulosin capsules) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take 30 minutes after the same meal every day.
• Swallow whole. Do not chew, open, or crush.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• If you miss taking this medicine (tamsulosin capsules) for a few days in a row, call your doctor before you start taking it again.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Fever, chills, or sore throat.
• Ejaculation problems.
• Call your doctor right away if you have a painful erection (hard penis) or an erection that lasts for longer than 4 hours. This may happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it may lead to lasting sex problems and you may not be able to have sex.

Related/similar drugs

What are some other side effects of Tamsulosin Capsules?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Headache.
• Back pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak.
• Runny nose.
• Throat irritation.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Tamsulosin Capsules?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (tamsulosin capsules), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer