This article describes possible interactions with tamsulosin oral capsule. Interactions can cause a drug to have a different effect on the body than expected. Interactions can occur due to medications, alcohol, or certain health conditions.
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Other drugs and tamsulosin
The drugs in the list below may interact with tamsulosin oral capsule. This article doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with tamsulosin.
Drug classes or drugs that may interact with tamsulosin oral capsule include:
- certain antibiotics:
- drug examples: clarithromycin, erythromycin (Eryc, others)
- what can happen: can increase the risk of side effects of tamsulosin
- certain antidepressants:
- drug examples: paroxetine (Paxil, others), fluoxetine (Prozac)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of tamsulosin
- certain antifungals:
- drug examples: ketoconazole, itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of tamsulosin
- certain antiretrovirals:
- drug examples: atazanavir (Reyataz), darunavir (Prezista)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of tamsulosin
- alpha-blockers other than tamsulosin:
- PDE5 inhibitors:
- drug examples: sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of tamsulosin and the PDE5 inhibitor
- ritonavir (Norvir) and cobicistat (Tybost), including treatments that contain these drugs:
- bupropion (Wellbutrin SR or XL, others):
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of tamsulosin
- quinidine:
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of tamsulosin
- ranolazine (Aspruzyo Sprinkle):
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of tamsulosin
Keep in mind that some interactions are more serious than others. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about what drugs should not be taken with tamsulosin.
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Get free cardWhen to avoid tamsulosin
Certain health conditions or other factors could increase some risks with tamsulosin oral capsule. Because of this, doctors may not prescribe tamsulosin in these cases. These health conditions or other factors are called contraindications.
Here’s a contraindication for tamsulosin oral capsule:
- Past allergic reaction to tamsulosin: If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to tamsulosin oral capsule, using it again may cause another allergic reaction.
Before you start taking tamsulosin, tell your doctor if allergic reaction pertains to you. They can recommend whether you should take tamsulosin.
Alcohol and tamsulosin
There aren’t any known tamsulosin interactions with alcohol. Tamsulosin oral capsule is not known to interact with alcohol.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it while taking tamsulosin oral capsule.
Other interactions and tamsulosin
Interactions can occur with supplements, foods, vaccines, and some lab tests. Below you can learn whether tamsulosin oral capsule has these interactions.
The information below doesn’t include all other possible interactions with tamsulosin.
Tamsulosin and supplements
Before taking tamsulosin oral capsule, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Doing so may help you avoid interactions.
If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Tamsulosin interactions with herbs
Tamsulosin oral capsule may interact with St. John’s wort. This herb is used for easing symptoms of depression. Taking tamsulosin and St. John’s wort may cause tamsulosin to be less effective.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while taking tamsulosin oral capsule.
Tamsulosin interactions with vitamins
Tamsulosin oral capsule isn’t known to interact with any vitamins. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vitamins can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while taking tamsulosin oral capsule.
Tamsulosin and food
Tamsulosin may interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Eating grapefruit or consuming grapefruit juice while taking tamsulosin may increase the risk for side effects of tamsulosin.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what foods you should avoid while taking tamsulosin oral capsule.
Tamsulosin and vaccines
Tamsulosin oral capsule isn’t known to interact with any vaccines. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vaccines can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before receiving any vaccines while taking tamsulosin oral capsule.
Tamsulosin and lab tests
Tamsulosin oral capsule isn’t known to interact with lab tests. But this doesn’t mean interactions with lab tests can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before having any tests while taking tamsulosin oral capsule.
Tamsulosin and cannabis or CBD
Tamsulosin oral capsule isn’t known to interact with cannabis (commonly called marijuana) or cannabis products such as cannabidiol (CBD). But this doesn’t mean interactions can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
As with any drug or supplement, tell your doctor before taking cannabis with tamsulosin.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
Health factors and tamsulosin
Certain medical conditions or other health factors may increase the risk of interactions with tamsulosin oral capsule. Keep in mind that interactions could lead to side effects or affect how well the drug works. Before taking tamsulosin, tell your doctor about your health history. They’ll determine whether tamsulosin is right for you.
These health conditions or other factors might interact with tamsulosin oral capsule:
- kidney condition, such as chronic kidney disease
- liver condition, such as cirrhosis
- upcoming surgery for cataracts or glaucoma
- pregnancy or breastfeeding*
- past allergic reaction to tamsulosin or to a sulfonamide medication (which is known as a sulfa allergy)
* Tamsulosin is not meant for use in females. Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to a person’s gender assigned at birth.
Preventing tamsulosin interactions
You may be able to help avoid certain interactions with tamsulosin oral capsule. Before taking this drug, you may want to discuss possible interactions with your doctor and pharmacist.
Things to consider include:
- Whether you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
- Other medications and herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you fill out a medication list.
- What to do if you’re prescribed a new drug while using tamsulosin oral capsule.
Taking tamsulosin exactly as prescribed can also help prevent interactions.
What to ask your doctor
If you have questions about tamsulosin and possible interactions, talk with your doctor.
Questions you may want to ask your doctor include:
- Does tamsulosin have similar interactions as alfuzosin?
- If I take tamsulosin and have certain health conditions, will I be monitored more closely during treatment?
- Could I still take tamsulosin even if it interacts with another medication I take?
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.