Unresolved priapism secondary to tamsulosin

Tamsulosin is the most potent adrenergic alpha-1 antagonist used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Priapism has been reported rarely in patients taking Prazosin, Doxazosin and Terazosin. We describe an otherwise healthy man with recurrent and then persistent unresolved priapism after the use of tamsulosin. Initial treatment consisted of aspiration and intracavernosal irrigation of iced saline and vasoconstrictive agent, but in vain. We then performed Winters procedure but that too failed and the priapism persisted. Health-care professionals should inform all patients taking such medications about rare but possible serious adverse effects.