Description

Tamsulosin hydrochloride is a selective alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition in which the prostate is enlarged and causes urinary problems. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, improving urine flow and reducing symptoms.

Prescription

Prescription-only medicine (Rx).

Therapeutic Category

• Urological agent
• Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist
  

Active Ingredients/Composition

• Tamsulosin hydrochloride (typically 0.4 mg per capsule or tablet)

Vitamins

• None

Minerals

• None

Variant

• Available in capsules or tablets, most commonly 0.4 mg strength
• Pack size: 30’s (30 capsules/tablets)
  

Consume Type

• Oral administration (capsule or tablet swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed)
  

Directions/Usage

• Usual adult dose: 0.4 mg once daily, taken after the same meal each day.
• Dose may be increased to 0.8 mg daily if needed, under medical supervision.
• Should be swallowed whole with water.
  

Common Side Effects

• Dizziness, lightheadedness (especially on standing)
• Ejaculation disorders
• Headache
  Weakness/fatigue
• Nasal congestion/runny nose
  

Rare but serious: orthostatic hypotension, priapism (prolonged erection), allergic reactions.

Package Type

• Typically supplied in blister packs of 30 capsules/tablets, contained in a carton.
  

Storage Advice

• Store at room temperature (15–30 °C)
• Protect from light and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
  

Safety Advice

• Take at the same time each day after food to reduce risk of dizziness.
• Avoid sudden changes in posture to minimize risk of fainting (orthostatic hypotension).
• Inform your doctor before surgery, especially cataract or glaucoma surgery, as tamsulosin can cause Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS).
• Not indicated for women or children.
  
• Use caution in patients with low blood pressure or severe liver/kidney disease.
  

Product Substitutes

• Other brands of Tamsulosin hydrochloride (e.g., Flomax, Omnic, Contiflo, Prostam)
• Alternative drugs for BPH:
  • Alfuzosin, Terazosin, Doxazosin (other alpha-blockers)
  • Finasteride, Dutasteride (5-alpha reductase inhibitors)
    

Manufacturer/Marketer

• Vega is a brand name, marketed by regional/local pharmaceutical companies (exact manufacturer may vary by country).
  

Country of Origin

• Tamsulosin was originally developed by Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical (Japan, now part of Astellas Pharma).
• Vega brand is marketed locally (often from India, Middle East, or Africa distributors).