Can I take Rivaroxaban and Tamsulosin together?

Why this happens

Rivaroxaban is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) and tamsulosin is an alpha-blocker used for prostate symptoms. They are processed by different pathways in the liver and do not interfere with each other's levels. The only shared effect is a potential for low blood pressure or dizziness (pharmacodynamic overlap), though this is uncommon.

What you should do

It is generally safe to take these two medicines together. To stay safe, take care when getting out of bed or standing up from a chair, as you may feel slightly dizzy. If you experience significant lightheadedness, fainting, or unusual bruising, speak with your doctor.

Important precautions

Postural hypotension (Dizziness)

Tamsulosin can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up, especially after the first dose. Move slowly from lying to sitting or standing to avoid fainting or falls.

Bleeding risk

Rivaroxaban significantly increases your risk of serious bleeding. Seek immediate medical help if you have a fall or head injury, or if you notice signs of internal bleeding such as black tarry stools, coughing up blood, or persistent nosebleeds.

You must tell any doctor, dentist, or surgeon that you are taking rivaroxaban before any procedure, as they significantly increase your risk of bleeding and may need to be stopped temporarily.

NSAID use (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen)

Do not take anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen or naproxen while on rivaroxaban unless specifically prescribed, as this combination severely increases the risk of dangerous internal bleeding.

Cataract surgery (Floppy Iris Syndrome)

If you are planning to have cataract or glaucoma surgery, you must tell your eye surgeon you are taking tamsulosin. It can cause the iris to become 'floppy' during the procedure, which requires the surgeon to use a different technique.

Food and drink warnings

Alcohol

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking these medicines. For rivaroxaban, alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. For tamsulosin, alcohol can worsen side effects like dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting by further lowering your blood pressure.

Food (General)

You must take the 15mg and 20mg doses of rivaroxaban with food. Taking them on an empty stomach significantly reduces the amount of medicine absorbed by your body, making it less effective at preventing blood clots. The 2.5mg and 10mg doses can be taken with or without food.

Using other medicines

Taking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.