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Medically Approved

Tamsulosin oral capsule dosage: A detailed guide

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Form and strengthDosageFAQHow it’s takenCouponOverdose
Medically reviewed by Kiran Khanani, PharmD
Updated on

Key takeaways

  • Tamsulosin is typically prescribed to manage benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) and is taken orally once per day, with the possibility of dosage adjustments by a doctor.
  • It’s very important to keep to the prescribed dosage. Doctors recommend taking it 30 minutes after the same meal each day to maintain a steady level of the drug in your system.
  • If you miss a dose, consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance, and explore options like reminder apps or alarms to help prevent missed doses.

Overview

This article describes tamsulosin oral capsule’s dosage and strength and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for tamsulosin. If you want to know more about tamsulosin oral capsule, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Tamsulosin oral capsule is a generic version of the brand-name drug Flomax.

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Form and strength of tamsulosin

Tamsulosin oral capsule comes as follows:

  • Form: oral capsule, which you’ll take by swallowing
  • Strength: 0.4 milligrams (mg)

Dosage of tamsulosin

This article describes the recommended dosage for tamsulosin oral capsules. The manufacturer provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of tamsulosin oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosage of tamsulosin in adults

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a standard dosage of tamsulosin oral capsule. In some cases, they’ll increase the dose after a few weeks. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of tamsulosin oral capsule that gives the desired outcome.

  • Dose: 0.4 milligrams (mg)
  • Frequency: once per day after the same meal each day
  • Maximum dosage: 0.8 mg once per day

What to do if you miss a dose of tamsulosin

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of tamsulosin oral capsule. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of tamsulosin oral capsule and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

  • downloading a reminder app on your phone
  • setting an alarm
  • putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Answers to some commonly asked questions about tamsulosin oral capsule and its dosage.

Is the dosage of tamsulosin similar to the dosage of Viagra?

No, tamsulosin oral capsule and Viagra have different dosages and different approved uses. Tamsulosin oral capsule treats an enlarged prostate. Viagra is approved to treat erectile dysfunction. You take Viagra as needed, about 1 hour before sexual activity.

If your doctor prescribes Viagra for symptoms of an enlarged prostate, they’ll recommend what dosage to take. This would be considered an off-label use. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

To learn more about how the dosage of Viagra compares with tamsulosin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Should I take tamsulosin in the morning or at night?

You can take your dose of tamsulosin oral capsule either in the morning or at night. But you should take it about 30 minutes after the same meal each day in order to stay consistent with your medication.

You can know more about how to take tamsulosin oral capsules by talking with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can tamsulosin be taken twice per day?

No, the recommended dosage of tamsulosin oral capsule is once per day. If your doctor increases the dose, the recommended dosage is still once per day.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how often to take tamsulosin oral capsule.

Is tamsulosin taken long term?

Yes, doctors typically prescribe tamsulosin oral capsule as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

If you have questions about how long you should take tamsulosin oral capsule, talk with your doctor.

How is tamsulosin taken?

You’ll swallow a tamsulosin oral capsule once per day.

Your doctor will advise that you take this medication about 30 minutes after the same meal each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.

If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Tamsulosin coupon

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for tamsulosin when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs. 

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Overdose of tamsulosin

It’s important that you do not take more tamsulosin oral capsule than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

What to do if you take too much tamsulosin

If you think you’ve taken too much tamsulosin, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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