Tamsulosin - Adverse Effects

Adverse Effects

Two adverse drug reactions have been reported:

• Immunologic: It contains a sulfa moiety, thus causing typical reactions to sulfa drugs.
• Ophthalmologic: Patients taking tamsulosin are prone to a complication known as floppy iris syndrome during cataract surgery. Adverse outcomes of the surgery are greatly reduced by the surgeon's prior knowledge of the patient's history with this drug, and thus having the option of alternative techniques.

Tamsulosin has also affected sexual function in men. It can cause males to experience retrograde ejaculation. In males, retrograde ejaculation occurs when the fluid to be ejaculated, which would normally exit the body via the urethra, is redirected to the urinary bladder. Normally, the bladder sphincter contracts and the ejaculate goes to the urethra, the area of least pressure. In retrograde ejaculation, this sphincter does not function properly.

Tamsulosin can occasionally cause a drop in blood pressure, rarely resulting in dizziness or fainting. Other reported side effects include vertigo, headache, nasal congestion and palpitations.