From the Guidelines
Tamsulosin can cause several side effects, including dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, weakness, and retrograde ejaculation, with a higher probability of ejaculatory dysfunction compared to other alpha blockers 1.
Common Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Headache
- Weakness
- Retrograde ejaculation (reduced or no semen during orgasm) Some patients may also experience nasal congestion, runny nose, or sore throat.
Less Common but Serious Side Effects
- Orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up)
- Fainting
- Priapism (prolonged erection)
- Severe allergic reactions According to the most recent guideline, the choice of alpha blocker, such as tamsulosin, should be based on patient age and comorbidities, and different adverse event profiles, including ejaculatory dysfunction and changes in blood pressure 1. When starting tamsulosin, it's best to take it at bedtime to minimize dizziness, avoid driving until you know how it affects you, and stand up slowly from sitting or lying positions. The standard dose is 0.4 mg once daily, taken 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Patients should inform their doctor if they experience severe dizziness, fainting, or an erection lasting longer than 4 hours, as these require immediate medical attention. It's essential to note that tamsulosin has a lower probability of orthostatic hypotension but a higher probability of ejaculatory dysfunction compared to other alpha blockers 1. Overall, tamsulosin is a viable treatment option for patients with bothersome, moderate to severe LUTS/BPH, with a moderate recommendation and evidence level grade A 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
What are the possible side effects of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride Capsules? Possible side effects of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride Capsules may include: Decreased blood pressure when changing positions. Tamsulosin Hydrochloride Capsules may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, especially after the first dose or when changing doses Symptoms may include: fainting dizziness lightheadedness Allergic reactions Allergic reactions may include: rash itching hives Rare and more serious allergic reactions may also occur Get medical help right away if you have any of the following reactions: swelling of face, tongue, or throat difficulty breathing blistering of the skin A painful erection that will not go away. Tamsulosin Hydrochloride Capsules can cause a painful erection (priapism), which cannot be relieved by having sex. If this happens, get medical help right away If priapism is not treated, you may not be able to get an erection in the future. Eye problems during cataract or glaucoma surgery. During cataract or glaucoma surgery, a condition called intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) can happen if you take or have taken Tamsulosin Hydrochloride Capsules Common side effects of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride Capsules may include: runny nose dizziness decreased semen
The side effects of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride Capsules may include:
- Decreased blood pressure when changing positions, which can cause symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness
- Allergic reactions, which can range from mild (rash, itching, hives) to severe (swelling of face, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, blistering of the skin)
- Painful erection (priapism), which requires immediate medical attention to prevent long-term damage
- Eye problems during cataract or glaucoma surgery, specifically intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS)
- Common side effects, including runny nose, dizziness, and decreased semen 2
From the Research
Tamsulosin Side Effects
The side effects of Tamsulosin, an alpha-blocker, are as follows:
- Dizziness
- Abnormal ejaculation
- Asthenia
- Postural hypotension
- Palpitations
- Headache
- Rhinitis-like complaints
- Retrograde or delayed ejaculation
Common Adverse Events
The most common adverse events associated with Tamsulosin include:
- Dizziness
- Abnormal ejaculation
- Rhinitis
- The overall incidence of symptoms indicative of orthostasis was 1.4% with Tamsulosin 0.4 or 0.8 mg/day treatment 3, 4
- Adverse effects increased markedly as Tamsulosin dosing increased, and were reported in 75% of men receiving the 0.8 mg dose 5
Comparison with Other Alpha-Blockers
Tamsulosin has been compared to other alpha-blockers, such as alfuzosin and terazosin, and has been found to have a similar efficacy profile but with less tendency to cause hypotensive effects 3, 4
- Tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day was as effective as alfuzosin 2.5 mg three times daily, with less tendency to cause hypotensive effects, in a double-blind, randomised 12-week trial 3
- Tamsulosin had less effect on blood pressure than alfuzosin or terazosin 4
Safety Profile
The safety profile of Tamsulosin has been evaluated in several studies, and it has been found to be generally well-tolerated 6, 5, 7
- Coadministration of Tamsulosin with antihypertensive agents, such as nifedipine, enalapril, and atenolol, had no clinically significant effects on blood pressure or pulse rate 7