Flomax (Tamsulosin)

Flomax (Tamsulosin)

What is Flomax?

Flomax is a medication prescribed to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate in men. Its active ingredient is tamsulosin hydrochloride.

Flomax belongs to the drug class, alpha blockers. This medication works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder and relieves symptoms like difficulty to begin the flow of urine or the need to urinate urgently.

Flomax is not recommended:

• If you are allergic or have had an allergic reaction to Flomax or ingredients in Flomax
• For women and children
• To treat high blood pressure

What are the Indications for Flomax?

Flomax is approved to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia-BPH).

How is Flomax used?

Storage

Flomax should be stored at room temperature in the original package between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C) away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze this medication.

Keep out of reach of children.

Instructions

Take Flomax by mouth, as directed by your doctor, usually once a day, 30 minutes after the same meal. For example, if you take it after breakfast, you should take it after breakfast every day. Swallow the tablet whole and don’t crush, chew, or open the capsule.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, only take one dose. Do not catch up by taking two doses at once.

Do not change your dosage, take more than what is prescribed, or stop using Flomax without consulting with your doctor. If you took more than prescribed, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care.

If you stop using this medicine for several days in a row, do not start it again without your doctor’s advice.

Dosage

Flomax is available in capsule form in a 0.4 mg strength.

The recommended starting dose is 0.4 mg capsule once daily. If you fail to respond to this dose, your doctor might increase it to 0.8 mg.

Your doctor might restart you on a lower dose if you stopped the medicine for several days.

Side Effects

It’s important to understand that although Flomax is FDA-approved, it comes with side effects that may or may not affect you.

Before starting Flomax, you should discuss possible side effects with your doctor or pharmacist.

Common Side Effects

Not all side effects require medical attention. As your body adjusts to Flomax, side effects may go away. It may take up to 4 weeks for your symptoms to improve. Tell your doctor if you experience the following symptoms, and they become severe or do not go away on their own.

• Abnormal ejaculation
• Decreased amount of semen
• Dizziness/drowsiness/weakness
• Runny/stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Back pain
• Chest pain
• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Tooth problems
• Blurred vision
• Sleep problems/insomnia
• Lower sex drive

Serious Side Effects

Severe adverse reactions while taking Flomax may occur. Seek emergency medical care or call 911 if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching/swelling, especially the face, tongue and throat, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.
• Sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions: fainting, dizziness, light-headedness
• Painful/prolonged erection: if it lasts more than 4 hours and is left untreated, you may not be able to get an erection in the future.

The information above does not list all possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any side effects not listed. You or your doctor may report side effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

Before using Flomax, tell your doctor or pharmacist:

• If you are allergic to Flomax or any ingredients in Flomax
• If you are allergic to sulfa drugs
• If you have ever had prostate cancer
• If you have low blood pressure
• If you have kidney or liver problems
• If you are planning to have cataract or glaucoma surgery as it can affect your pupils

Eye problems

During cataract or glaucoma surgery you could develop complications and a condition called intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) if you take Flomax. IFIS is a type of small pupil syndrome that causes weak pupillary dilation and a stretchy iris. Tell your doctor before you go for cataract or glaucoma surgery.

Interactions & Contraindications

Before using Flomax, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take any medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins.

Cimetidine

Flomax should not be used in combination with cimetidine. Cimetidine is a drug used to reduce gastric acid and treat gastric ulcers.

Erectile dysfunction

If you take any drugs for erectile dysfunction with Flomax, your blood pressure may get too low, and you can become dizzy or faint. Your doctor may then have to adjust your medications.