If you’re dealing with symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH) or struggling with kidney stones, your doctor may have mentioned Tamsulosin—a medication commonly prescribed in Australia under brand names like Flomax and Duodart (when combined with dutasteride).
| Tamsulosin Price | Tamsulosin hydrochloride |
| Tamsulosin Side Effect | Tamsulosin Class |
| Tamsulosin mechanism of action | Tamsulosin dutasteride |
| Tamsulosin Dose | Tamsulosin 400 mg |
| Tamsulosin 0.4 mg | Tamsulosin Uses |
- What is the drug tamsulosin used for?
- Does tamsulosin improve erectile function?
- Why is tamsulosin given at night?
- Is tamsulosin bad for the kidneys?
- Can an enlarged prostate go back to normal?
- Is tamsulosin the same as Viagra?
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Tamsulosin, including how it works, its benefits, potential side effects, and its availability in Australia.
What Is Tamsulosin?
Tamsulosin is an alpha-blocker medication that helps relax muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate. It’s primarily prescribed for:
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Reduces urinary symptoms like weak stream, frequent urination, and difficulty emptying the bladder.
- Kidney Stones: Helps larger stones (4–10 mm) pass more easily by relaxing the ureter.
- Chronic Prostatitis: May ease discomfort in some cases.
Unlike some other BPH medications, Tamsulosin doesn’t shrink the prostate but provides relief by improving urine flow.
How Does Tamsulosin Work?
Tamsulosin targets alpha-1 receptors in the prostate and urinary tract, relaxing smooth muscles and reducing pressure on the urethra. This leads to:
- Better urine flow
- Less straining when urinating
- Fewer nighttime bathroom trips
For kidney stones, it helps widen the ureter, allowing stones to pass with less pain.
Common Side Effects
While Tamsulosin is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially when standing up)
- Headaches
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Retrograde ejaculation (where semen flows back into the bladder instead of exiting)
- Fatigue or blurred vision
Most side effects are mild, but if you experience severe dizziness, fainting, or allergic reactions (like swelling of the face or throat), seek medical help immediately.
Combination Therapy: When Tamsulosin Isn’t Enough
For some men with BPH, Tamsulosin alone may not provide enough relief. In such cases, doctors may recommend combination therapy, such as:
- Duodart (Dutasteride + Tamsulosin): Helps both relax the prostate and shrink it over time.
- Other Alpha-Blockers or 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors: Depending on individual needs.
Studies (like the CombAT trial) show that combining Tamsulosin with dutasteride can be more effective than either drug alone.