Tamsulosin

Tamsulosin is a medication used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate. It belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-1 blockers and works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.

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Key Uses:

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
  (Improves symptoms like difficulty urinating, weak stream, and frequent urination—especially at night)

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How It Works:

Tamsulosin selectively blocks alpha-1 receptors in the smooth muscle of the prostate and bladder neck, helping relieve urinary obstruction and improve urine flow.

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Dosage & Administration:

• Typical dose: 0.4 mg once daily, 30 minutes after the same meal each day
• If no response after 2–4 weeks, dose may be increased to 0.8 mg once daily

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Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially when standing up)
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Abnormal ejaculation
• Headache

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Serious (Rare) Side Effects:

• Severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty)
• Fainting
• Priapism (painful, prolonged erection)

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Precautions:

• Use caution in patients with low blood pressure
• May interact with other blood pressure medications or PDE-5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil)
• Not approved for use in women or children