Tamsulosin during pregnancy and lactation

Tamsulosin is an alpha-blocker medication primarily used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition characterized by an enlarged prostate gland. It relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.

There is limited information available about the safety of tamsulosin use during pregnancy. Tamsulosin is not typically recommended for use in pregnant women unless the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on fetal development, including reduced fetal body weight and delayed skeletal ossification. However, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

There is limited information available about the effects of tamsulosin on breastfed infants. However, because tamsulosin can cause adverse effects such as dizziness and drowsiness, especially when starting treatment or changing dosage, caution may be warranted if used during breastfeeding.

Pregnancy     Category B            ( by FDA )

                       Category  (N/A)       (AU TGA )

Tamsulosin is classified as Pregnancy Category B by the FDA. This category indicates that animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. However, animal studies have limitations in predicting human response. Tamsulosin should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed