Flomax

The active ingredient in Flomax is tamsulosin hydrochloride). Flomax works by selectively blocking alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in the prostate gland and bladder. This relaxes the smooth muscles in these areas, improving urine flow.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Flomax. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Flomax:

Dosage and Timing:

• Take Flomax exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Typically, the recommended dose is one capsule (0.4 mg) once daily.
• Take the capsule 30 minutes after the same meal each day (e.g., dinner).

Administration:

• Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water.
• Do not crush, chew, or open the capsule.

Missed Dose:

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.
• Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Monitoring:

• Regularly monitor your blood pressure, as Flomax can cause a drop in blood pressure.
• Monitor for any signs of prostate cancer while using Flomax.
• Keep your healthcare provider informed about any side effects or unusual symptoms.

The most common side effects of Flomax include:

• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Stuffy nose
• Abnormal ejaculation

Other possible side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Diarrhea
• Back pain
• Chest pain
• Weakness
• Trouble sleeping
• Sore throat
• Nausea
• Blurred vision
• Lower sex drive

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Flomax. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Serious allergic reaction. Symptoms could include:
• Hives
• Skin rash
• Swelling of the tongue, lips, and face.
• Painful erection (priapism)

-Increased risk of having eye problems during and after glaucoma or cataract surgery

These are not all of the possible side effects of Flomax. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Flomax, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Glaucoma or cataract surgery
• If you have surgery coming up for glaucoma or cataracts, you could develop a condition known as intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS)
• Low blood pressure
• Kidney or liver issues
• Allergy to sulfa drugs as you are at an increased risk of an allergic reaction to tamsulosin.

Patients who have a hypersensitivity to tamsulosin hydrochloride or any ingredient of Flomax capsules.

Flomax typically begins to show effects within 2 to 4 days of starting treatment. Some individuals may notice improvements in urinary symptoms, such as reduced urgency and improved flow, within the first week. However, it may take several weeks for the full benefits to be felt, and it is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed.

When Flomax is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole and cimetidine)
• Use with caution in combination with moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., erythromycin)
• Use with caution in combination with strong (e.g., paroxetine) or moderate (e.g., terbinafine) inhibitors of CYP2D6
• Medications to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) or pulmonary hypertension such as sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil can potentially cause hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Other alpha-blockers like alfuzosin, doxazosin, phentolamine, phenoxybenzamine, prazosin, terazosin

Flomax comes as a 0.4 mg capsule.

The dosage of Flomax will vary depending on individual factors such as age, overall health, and the severity of symptoms. The typical starting dose is 0.4 mg by mouth once a day, 30 minutes after the same meal each day. The maximum daily dose is 0.8 mg once a day.

It is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions and take Flomax exactly as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or take the medication for longer than recommended.

Store Flomax at room temperature, between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), keep it in its original container to protect it from moisture and light, avoid storing it in places with high humidity, keep it out of reach of children with a child-resistant cap, and do not use it past its expiration date, disposing of expired or unused medication properly.

Flomax is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim.

Currently, there is a lower-cost generic available for the brand name Flomax. Some related medications include Uroxatral (Alfuzosin), Cardura (doxazosin), Hytrin (terazosin), and Rapaflo (silodosin).

To stop taking Flomax, consult your healthcare provider to discuss the best approach for discontinuing the medication. Your doctor may recommend gradually reducing the dose to minimize potential side effects. Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance to ensure a safe transition and proper management of your condition.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you. There is limited information on the use of Flomax during pregnancy. Animal studies have not shown direct harmful effects on the fetus, but there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, Flomax should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits justify the potential risks to the fetus.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you. It is unknown whether Flomax is excreted in human breast milk. Due to the lack of data on its safety, caution is advised, and Flomax should generally be avoided while breastfeeding unless deemed absolutely necessary by a healthcare provider.