Tamsulosin and hyperglycaemia in patients with diabetes

Three patients developed hyperglycaemia during tamsulosin use. All patients had diabetes and recovered after withdrawal. A pharmacological mechanism for this adverse drug reaction is suggested: stimulation of the α I -receptor is one of the insulin-independent pathways for glucose uptake, hence inhibition might increase plasma glucose concentrations. Physicians should be aware of hyperglycaemia as possible adverse drug reaction in patients with diabetes using tamsulosin.