Alpha blockerPrescription only
Tamsulosin
Capsule
Quick Summary
Tamsulosin relaxes smooth muscle in the prostate and urinary tract.
Enlarged prostate
Kidney stones
Medical Uses
Enlarged prostate: Urinary symptoms.
Kidney stones: Helping stones pass.
How it's taken
Take once a day after the same meal.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you and how long to take it.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.
Common Side Effects
Dizziness
On standing.
Retrograde ejaculation
Reduced semen.
Blocked nose
Sometimes.
Interactions
Other blood pressure medicines
Low blood pressure.
Critical Warnings
Cataract surgery
Tell your eye surgeon you take it.
Fainting
Stand up slowly.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Tamsulosin: drug information(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Tamsulosin: a medicine for symptoms of an enlarged prostate(opens in a new tab) · NHS