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Is It Safe To Discontinue Tamsulosin Before Completing The Entire Course Of Treatment?

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Posted on Thu, 3 Sep 2015
Question: I was dehydrated and had difficulty with urination. I was prescribed Cyprofloxacin, 500mg twice per day for one week and diagnosed with urinary tract infection. My temperature was 101 degrees. I was also prescribed Tamsulosin .4mg once per day. My temperature has been back to normal for 4 days. I stopped taking the Tamsulosin because I no longer have difficulty urinating and I don't want to become dependant on Tamsulosin. Is that okay or do I need to take the remaining 4 pills?

Thankyou, XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
treatment is usually reassessed after 6-12 months

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I suppose the doctor gave you tamsulosin considering your prostate to be enlarged enough to block the urine flow. In cases of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) tamsulosin and similar drugs are usually prescribed for 6-12 months. The urologist should reassess the patient's condition afterwards.

Tamsulosin helps the prostate 'shrink' so that the urine flow won't be prevented. Stopping the increases your risk to experience a new obstruction and also a new urinary tract infection because urinary retention increases the risk for infection.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3818 Questions

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Is It Safe To Discontinue Tamsulosin Before Completing The Entire Course Of Treatment?

Brief Answer: treatment is usually reassessed after 6-12 months Detailed Answer: Hello, I suppose the doctor gave you tamsulosin considering your prostate to be enlarged enough to block the urine flow. In cases of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) tamsulosin and similar drugs are usually prescribed for 6-12 months. The urologist should reassess the patient's condition afterwards. Tamsulosin helps the prostate 'shrink' so that the urine flow won't be prevented. Stopping the increases your risk to experience a new obstruction and also a new urinary tract infection because urinary retention increases the risk for infection. I hope you find my comments helpful! You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information. Kind Regards!