This article describes possible side effects of tamsulosin oral capsule. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for tamsulosin. You can explore this overview article to learn more about tamsulosin oral capsule, including 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.
More common side effects of tamsulosin
Tamsulosin oral capsule may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of tamsulosin oral capsule include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of tamsulosin in detail” section below.
Mild side effects of tamsulosin
Tamsulosin may cause certain mild side effects. Most often, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of tamsulosin oral capsule that occurred in studies include:
- headache
- dizziness
- a cough
- runny nose
- weakness
- nausea
- diarrhea
- back pain
- insomnia (trouble sleeping) or sleepiness
- mild allergic reaction*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of tamsulosin in detail” section below.
Tamsulosin oral capsule may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
Serious side effects of tamsulosin
Tamsulosin may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from tamsulosin oral capsule, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with tamsulosin.
Serious side effects of tamsulosin oral capsule that occurred in studies include:
- chest pain
- sexual side effects*
- an infection
- vision problems
- orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when you stand up)*
- severe allergic reaction*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of tamsulosin in detail” section below.
Common questions about side effects of tamsulosin
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of tamsulosin oral capsule. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is tamsulosin safe for older adults?
Yes, tamsulosin is safe for older adults (ages 65 years and older). Studies did not show a difference in safety between older and younger people. However, some older adults may be more sensitive to tamsulosin. Talk with your doctor for more information.
How do side effects of tamsulosin in males compare with those in females?
Tamsulosin is not approved for use in females.* It’s only approved for use in adult males.*
Talk with your doctor for more information about this.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s gender assigned at birth.
Does tamsulosin cause long-term side effects?
No, long-term side effects aren’t expected with tamsulosin oral capsule. In studies, specific side effects weren’t seen in people who had taken the drug for a long time. Also, no long lasting side effects were reported after treatment ended.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about possible long-term side effects of tamsulosin.
Coupon for tamsulosin
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Side effects of tamsulosin in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of tamsulosin oral capsule.
Sexual side effects
In studies, sexual side effects were common in people taking tamsulosin oral capsule. These side effects may be serious.
Possible sexual side effects of tamsulosin include:
- ejaculation problems
- low sex drive
- priapism (persistent and painful erection), which can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED)
Ways to manage
If you experience sexual side effects while taking tamsulosin oral capsule, tell your doctor. They’ll recommend ways to manage your symptoms. If the side effects become too bothersome, your doctor may recommend a treatment other than tamsulosin.
If you have symptoms of priapism, call your doctor or seek medical care right away.
Orthostatic hypotension
In studies, orthostatic hypotension was common in people taking tamsulosin oral capsule. This side effect may be serious.
Orthostatic hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure that occurs when you stand up quickly. Common symptoms include dizziness and lightheadedness upon standing up.
Certain factors can increase the risk of orthostatic hypotension with tamsulosin oral capsule. These include first starting the drug or having your dosage changed.
Ways to manage
If you experience orthostatic hypotension while taking tamsulosin, tell your doctor. You should also tell your doctor if you:
- generally have low blood pressure
- take medications to lower your blood pressure
These may increase your risk of orthostatic hypotension from tamsulosin oral capsule.
Take your time when you change positions. Going slow and sitting for a while before standing up may help.
Your doctor may recommend ways to manage your low blood pressure while taking tamsulosin. If it becomes bothersome, they may recommend a treatment other than tamsulosin.
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For some people, tamsulosin oral capsule can cause an allergic reaction.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know if you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to tamsulosin oral capsule, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for tamsulosin
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking tamsulosin oral capsule.
Warnings
It may not be safe for you to take tamsulosin oral capsule if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether tamsulosin oral capsule is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking tamsulosin oral capsule, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:
- if you have low blood pressure or take medications to lower your blood pressure
- if you take any other medications
- if you’re at risk of prostate cancer
- if you’re planning to have cataract surgery or glaucoma surgery
- if you have a sulfa allergy
- if you’ve had a past allergic reaction to tamsulosin
Tamsulosin and pregnancy
Tamsulosin oral capsule should not be taken by females* or during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor for more information.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s gender assigned at birth.
Tamsulosin and breastfeeding
Tamsulosin oral capsule should not be taken by females* or while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor for more information.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s gender assigned at birth.
Tamsulosin and 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 during your treatment with tamsulosin oral capsule.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of tamsulosin oral capsule. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Does my risk of side effects increase with higher doses of tamsulosin?
- Are there alternative treatments with fewer side effects?
- Should I stop taking tamsulosin if I experience certain side effects?
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.