Prostam Capsule 0.4mg Capsules

Tamsulosin hydrochloride is an alpha blocker. It relaxes the muscles in the prostate and the opening of the bladder, so urine can flow more easily.

It is used to:

• ease urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
• sometimes help kidney stones pass

Take tamsulosin exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you.

• Take it once a day at the same time, ideally after breakfast or your first meal of the day.
• Swallow the capsule whole with water while sitting or standing. Do not open, break, chew or crush it, as it is made to release the medicine slowly.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember on the same day. If you only remember the next day, skip it. Never take two doses together.
• Talk to your doctor before stopping, as your symptoms may come back.

Common side effects include:

• dizziness, especially when standing up
• less or no semen when ejaculating (harmless)
• runny or blocked nose
• sleepiness, weakness or blurred vision

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• fainting
• a painful erection that lasts 2 hours or more
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, a rash, or trouble breathing

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• are allergic to tamsulosin or similar medicines such as alfuzosin or doxazosin
• get dizzy when you stand up, or have fainted when passing urine
• have severe liver or kidney problems
• have prostate cancer or cataracts
• take medicines for erection problems, such as sildenafil or tadalafil

It is not usually given to people under 18.

Keep it in the original, tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children. Do not flush unused medicine; ask your pharmacist how to dispose of it.

Eye surgery: if you are going to have cataract or glaucoma surgery, tell your eye doctor that you take or have taken tamsulosin, as it can cause problems during the operation.

Tamsulosin can make you dizzy, especially at first. Get up slowly, and do not drive or use machines if you feel dizzy. Alcohol can make dizziness worse.