Flomax (Tamsulosin)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):

What is Flomax?

Flomax is a prescription medicine used to treat patients with prostate gland enlargement or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This medicine contains the active ingredient Tamsulosin hydrochloride and belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-blockers. Flomax works by blocking the alpha1 adrenoceptors in the bladder and prostate. It causes relaxation of smooth muscle which helps to improve the flow of urine and reduce symptoms of prostate enlargement.

Uses and Benefits of Flomax

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Flomax is approved for use in men to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH, also known as prostate gland enlargement, is a condition that occurs most often in men older than 70 years. In this condition, the prostate gland swells and compresses the urethra, restricting the flow of urine.
Flomax helps to improve the flow of urine in 1 week and reduces the need to urinate frequently or urgently.

Side Effects of Flomax

Patients taking Flomax may experience some common side effects, including:

• headache

• cough, runny nose, stuffiness

• dizziness, lightheadedness

• diarrhea, nausea

• weakness

• decreased semen, low sex drive

• back pain

• tooth disorder

• sleeping problems such as insomnia and somnolence

Flomax may also cause some severe side effects, including:

• A sudden drop in blood pressure which can cause fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
• Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing.
• Painful erection (priapism) that lasts for more than four hours without sexual stimulation.
• Eye problems such as blurred vision and intraoperative floppy iris syndrome that can occur during cataract or glaucoma surgery.
• Respiratory problems such as rhinitis, pharyngitis, chest pain, and sinusitis.

Talk to your doctor immediately, if you notice serious side effects of the medicine.

How to take Flomax?

Flomax is available in 0.4 mg strength capsules for oral administration. Doctors usually recommend a 0.4 mg Flomax capsule about 30 minutes after the meal daily. The doctor may increase the dose to 0.8 mg if required. Patients should not open, crush or chew the capsules and take medicines at the same time for maximum benefits.

In case you forget to take a dose of Flomax, take it as soon as possible. But if it is almost the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.

Drug Interactions

Flomax when coadministered with other medications can affect the working of medicines or cause adverse reactions. Before starting Flomax, tell your doctors about all the medicines you are taking, especially:

• Antifungal drugs such as Ketoconazole, and Terbinafine

• Antibiotics such as Erythromycin

• Antidepressants such as Paroxetine

• Cimetidine

• Other Alpha-blockers

• PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, and avanafil

• Warfarin

Safety Information

1. Flomax is not approved for use in women and children under 16 years of age.

2. The medicine should not be used for the treatment of high blood pressure.

3. Do not take Flomax if you have an allergy to tamsulosin or any other ingredients of the medicine.

4. Before taking medicine, tell your doctor if you have had kidney or liver problems, low blood pressure, or other medical conditions.

5. Patients should tell their doctor that they have taken Flomax if they plan to have cataract or glaucoma surgery.

6. Prostate enlargement can occur with prostate cancer. Therefore, patients should be screened for prostate cancer before and after treatment with Flomax.

7. Avoid driving or using heavy machines just after taking Flomax.

8. Flomax may lower blood pressure and cause dizziness. Therefore, patients should change their positions slowly and sit or lie down if they feel dizzy, unsteady, or off-balance after taking medicine.

Reference:

• https://products.sanofi.us/flomax/flomax.pdf

• https://www.rxlist.com/flomax-drug.htm#description

• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-4154/flomax-oral/details