Tamsulosin

Tamsulosin is an easy-to-take capsule that helps with symptoms of BPH, such as frequent urination or difficulty urinating. It also helps manage an overactive bladder overall.

As men get older, it's normal for their prostates to enlarge, and this is often not a problem. However, a larger prostate can press on the bladder and urethra, leading to various symptoms. These are sometimes referred to as lower urinary tract symptoms, or LUTS.

Although Tamsulosin doesn't reduce the size of your prostate, it relaxes the muscles around it and in your bladder. This helps you manage your symptoms better, allowing you to enjoy life more freely.

Tamsulosin is a medication known as an alpha 1 blocker. It works by targeting the alpha 1 receptors in your prostate and the neck of your bladder, preventing them from functioning as usual. This helps the muscles to relax.

This helps you urinate more easily and fully empty your bladder. It reduces the feeling of urgency and makes it simpler to begin urinating. Tamsulosin can relieve your urinary symptoms, whether they're due to BPH or not.

Tamsulosin is available in 400mcg capsules, and you'll typically take just one each day. It's a strong medication, so a higher dose isn't generally advised. If 400mcg isn't managing your symptoms well, it's best to consult your clinician. They might suggest a different treatment that could be more suitable for you.

Making some lifestyle changes can improve how well your treatment works. Try to cut down on caffeine, drink less in the evening, and ensure your bladder is fully emptied after using the toilet. These steps can help lessen the chances of experiencing symptoms.

There are several other alpha 1 blockers used for BPH, such as Prazosin, Terazosin, and Doxazosin. However, Tamsulosin is less likely to impact your blood pressure or other health areas. It's also usually thought to have fewer side effects.

This is because Tamsulosin specifically targets certain alpha receptors. It's a suitable choice if you want to avoid any changes in your blood pressure or if you already have low blood pressure.

Tamsulosin is an effective treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms, whether they're related to BPH or not. In a study involving men with an overactive bladder, Tamsulosin significantly reduced urinary urgency, nighttime urination, and frequency. These improvements were noticeable after just four weeks.

Tamsulosin is effective for long-term relief of BPH symptoms. A study over six years found that it consistently eased symptoms, with 71.6% to 80.7% of patients experiencing improvement.

As BPH tends to worsen with time, taking Tamsulosin might positively impact your life.

Tamsulosin is often paired with dutasteride, known by brand names like Combodart or Dutrozen. These medicines work together to ease the symptoms of BPH. Similarly, Vesomni combines Tamsulosin with solifenacin for the same purpose.

Tamsulosin is sometimes known by various brand names, such as Contiflo, Pamsvax, and Faramsil. These branded versions contain the same active ingredient and dosage, so they should work similarly. You can decide which one you'd like to use, but the generic version is usually more affordable.

It's advisable to steer clear of alcohol when taking Tamsulosin. Drinking alcohol can increase the likelihood of certain side effects, such as feeling faint or dizzy. Since both alcohol and Tamsulosin can lower your blood pressure, the risk is greater when they're used together.

Alcohol can worsen symptoms of BPH or an overactive bladder. As a diuretic, alcohol increases urination by reducing the production of a hormone called vasopressin. Being a liquid, it can also fill your bladder quickly. Therefore, consuming alcohol might make your treatment less effective.

To obtain Tamsulosin, you'll need a prescription from a healthcare professional. It's a powerful medication, so it's important to only take it if there's a valid reason. It's specifically intended for those with BPH or an overactive bladder, and it's not suitable for everyone.

If you're considering Tamsulosin, have a chat with us. Our healthcare professionals can review your health and arrange for Tamsulosin to be delivered to you on a repeat prescription.