Flomax

Tamsulosin Hydrochloride Drug Information

• Flomax Overview

  Tamsulosin is used by men to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia-BPH). It does not shrink the prostate, but it works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and the bladder. This helps to relieve symptoms of BPH such as difficulty in beginning the flow of urine, weak stream, and the need to urinate often or urgently (including during the middle of the night). Tamsulosin belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha blockers. Do not use Flomax to treat high blood pressure.

• How to Use Flomax

  Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking Flomax and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take Flomax by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily, 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Swallow Flomax whole. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules. The Dosage of Flomax is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Tamsulosin may cause a sudden drop in your blood pressure, which could lead to dizziness or fainting. This risk is higher when you first start taking Flomax, after your doctor increases your dose, or if you restart treatment after you stop taking it. During these times, avoid situations where you may be injured if you faint. Take Flomax regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. If you have not taken Flomax for several days, contact your doctor to see if you need to be restarted at a lower dose. It may take up to 4 weeks before your symptoms improve. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

• Flomax Precautions

  Before taking tamsulosin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Flomax may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Flomax, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,low blood pressure, certain eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma). Flomax may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Before having surgery (including cataract/glaucoma eye surgery), tell your doctor or dentist if you are taking or have ever taken Flomax, and about all the other products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Flomax, especially dizziness and low blood pressure when getting up from a sitting or lying position. These side effects can increase the risk of falling. During pregnancy, Flomax should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if Flomax passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Flomax Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Flomax, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Flomax Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.other alpha blocker drugs (such as prazosin, terazosin). If you are also taking a drug to treat erectile dysfunction-ED or pulmonary hypertension (such as sildenafil, tadalafil), your blood pressure may get too low which can lead to dizziness or fainting. Your doctor may need to adjust your medications to minimize this risk. Other medications can affect the removal of tamsulosin from your body, which may affect how tamsulosin works. Examples include azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), boceprevir, clarithromycin, cobicistat, HIV protease inhibitors (such as lopinavir, ritonavir), ribociclib, among others.

• Flomax Side Effects

  What are Flomax side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Flomax may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Flomax as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Flomax

  The side effects of Flomax may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Flomax. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Flomax may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Flomax, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Flomax.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Flomax, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Flomax and the side effects associated with Flomax are described in the following:

  Common Flomax Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • disorder of ejaculation
  • rhinitis
  • back pain
  • dizziness
  • general weakness
  • headache disorder
  • diarrhea

  Less Frequent Flomax Side Effects

  Severe

  • blurred vision

  Less Severe

  • libido changes
  • drowsy
  • insomnia
  • cough
  • chest pain
  • nausea
  • infection
  • pharyngitis
  • sinusitis
  • tooth disorder
  • vertigo

  Rare or Very Rare Flomax Side Effects

  Severe

  • intraoperative floppy iris syndrome
  • priapism
  • urticaria
  • syncope
  • skin rash
  • angioedema
  • atrial fibrillation
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • erythema multiforme
  • exfoliative dermatitis
  • cardiac arrhythmia

  Less Severe

  • orthostatic hypotension
  • pruritus of skin
  • palpitations
  • hypotension
  • vomiting
  • dyspnea
  • visual changes
  • epistaxis
  • xerostomia
  • constipation

• Flomax Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Flomax when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.