Side effects of tamsulosin

Pro Research Analysisby

Searched over 200M research papers

Analyzed relevant papers

Side Effects of Tamsulosin

Common Side Effects: Dizziness, Headache, and Ejaculation Disorders

Tamsulosin, a selective alpha-1A adrenergic receptor blocker, is commonly used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Among its most frequently reported side effects are dizziness and headache . Additionally, tamsulosin is known to cause abnormal ejaculation, including retrograde ejaculation and anejaculation, which can significantly impact sexual function 159.

Gastrointestinal Issues: Diarrhea and Nausea

Gastrointestinal side effects, although less common, are also associated with tamsulosin. Diarrhea has been reported in 0.1-1% of patients, which is lower compared to other alpha-1 blockers like prazosin and terazosin . Nausea is another gastrointestinal side effect that has been observed, although its incidence is not significantly higher than that of a placebo .

Cardiovascular Effects: Hypotension and Dizziness

Tamsulosin's selective action on alpha-1A receptors generally results in fewer cardiovascular side effects compared to non-selective alpha blockers. However, hypotension and dizziness are still notable side effects, particularly in the initial stages of treatment 129. These effects are usually mild and do not significantly differ from those observed with placebo treatments 29.

Dermatological Reactions: Fixed Drug Eruption

A rare but documented side effect of tamsulosin is fixed drug eruption, a type of skin reaction that can recur at the same site upon re-exposure to the drug . This reaction is less common but should be considered, especially in patients with a history of drug-induced skin reactions.

Ophthalmic Complications: Floppy Iris Syndrome

Tamsulosin has been associated with intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS), a condition that complicates cataract surgery. Patients on tamsulosin may experience a sluggish, hypotonic iris, which can lead to complications during the surgical procedure . This effect persists even after discontinuing the medication for several weeks, indicating a prolonged binding of tamsulosin to the iris dilator muscle .

Conclusion

Tamsulosin is generally well-tolerated, but it does have a range of side effects that can affect various systems in the body. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, and ejaculation disorders, while gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and nausea are less frequent. Cardiovascular effects such as hypotension and dizziness are mild and comparable to placebo. Rare side effects include fixed drug eruption and complications during cataract surgery due to floppy iris syndrome. Clinicians should weigh these potential side effects against the benefits of tamsulosin in treating BPH and other conditions.

Sources and full results

Most relevant research papers on this topic

Tamsulosin induced diarrhea: a case report

Tamsulosin is a uroselective 1A adrenergic receptor blocker used for benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment, with a low frequency of diarrhea compared to prazosin, terazosin, and doxazosin.

Case ReportRigorous Journal

2017·

0citations

·A. D. Rana et al.

Is tamsulosin effective for the passage of symptomatic ureteral stones

Tamsulosin effectively improves ureteral stone clearance and reduces expulsion time, with no significant difference in side effects between tamsulosin and control treatments.

Systematic ReviewVery Rigorous Journal

2019·

9citations

·Yi Sun et al.

A first case of fixed drug eruption due to Tamsulosin

Tamsulosin has not been reported as a cause of fixed drug eruption in the skin, but it may be a rare side effect of this drug.

Case ReportRigorous Journal

2020·

3citations

·F. Montazer et al.

Tamsulosin as a Medical Expulsive Therapy for Ureteral Stones: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Tamsulosin is an effective and relatively safe medical expulsive therapy for facilitating stone passage in patients with ureteral stones, particularly in those with stones 5 to 10 mm in diameter.

Meta-Analysis

2019·

26citations

·Yu Cui et al.

Assessment of tamsulosin as a potential male contraceptive in healthy volunteers.

Tamsulosin, when administered at 0.8 mg, can cause anejaculation with some transient side effects, suggesting potential as a male contraceptive agent in the future.

RCT

2012·

11citations

·Jin Wang et al.

Medical expulsive treatment of distal-ureteral stones using tamsulosin: a single-center experience.

Adding tamsulosin to standard expulsive therapy significantly improves stone expulsion rate, shortens stone passage time, and reduces analgesic use and recurrent colic hospitalizations.

RCTHighly Cited

2006·

131citations

·M. De Sio et al.

Influence of tamsulosin on the iris and its implications for cataract surgery.

Tamsulosin medication can cause sluggish iris dilatation and complications in cataract surgery, even after a 7- to 28-day pause in use.

Observational Study

2006·

65citations

·O. Pärssinen et al.

Efficacy of tamsulosin in the management of lower ureteral stones: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study of 100 patients.

Tamsulosin is a safe and effective drug that enhances spontaneous passage of distal ureteral stones sized 10 mm or smaller, reducing pain episodes and diclofenac use.

RCTHighly Cited

2010·

101citations

·A. Al-Ansari et al.

Tamsulosin, the first prostate-selective alpha 1A-adrenoceptor antagonist. A meta-analysis of two randomized, placebo-controlled, multicentre studies in patients with benign prostatic obstruction (symptomatic BPH). European Tamsulosin Study Group.

Tamsulosin 0.4 mg once daily is safe, well-tolerated, and improves symptoms and urinary flow rate in patients with benign prostatic obstruction (symptomatic BPH).

Meta-AnalysisHighly Cited

1996·

230citations

·C. Chapple et al.

Tamsulosin

Tamsulosin shows promising efficacy and tolerability for treating symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia, with potential advantages over other 1 adrenoceptor antagonists.

In Vitro Study

1996·

61citations

·M. Wilde et al.

Try another search

can ashwagandha make you sleepy

suboxone abuse

is amlodipine bad for kidneys

is ashwagandha good for women

collagen protein vs collagen peptides

how to lower your insulin