Tamsulosin is primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlarged, non-cancerous prostate gland that occurs mostly in older men. It helps relieve symptoms such as frequent or urgent need to urinate, difficulty starting urination, weak stream, dribbling, and the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying[1][3][4][5][6][7].
Tamsulosin works by relaxing the smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate and improving urine flow[1][4][6]. While it does not shrink the prostate, it can significantly reduce the intensity of BPH symptoms[4].
Additional uses for tamsulosin include:
- Treatment of kidney stones (off-label use)[2][6].
- Treatment of prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate, off-label use)[2][6].
- Managing bladder outlet obstruction and urinary difficulties in select female patients (off-label)[2].
Tamsulosin is available as an oral capsule, most commonly in a 0.4 mg dose, and is usually taken once daily, typically after the same meal each day to ensure consistent absorption[1][4][6].
References
- [1] Tamsulosin (Flomax) – Uses, Side Effects, and More – WebMD
- [2] Tamsulosin: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action – DrugBank
- [3] Tamsulosin: MedlinePlus Drug Information
- [4] Tamsulosin (oral route) – Side effects & dosage – Mayo Clinic
- [5] Tamsulosin: uses, dosing, warnings, adverse events, interactions
- [6] About tamsulosin – NHS
- [7] Tamsulosin Uses, Dosage & Side Effects – Drugs.com
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