Drug Name

Flomax (Tamsulosin)

Drug Uses

Flomax is an alpha-blocker that works by relaxing the muscles in the bladder and the prostate. It is used for treating the symptoms of an enlarged prostate or BPH.

How it is taken

Flomax must be taken by mouth about 30 minutes after a meal, preferably the same meal every day. The pill has to be swallowed whole without crushing, chewing or breaking it.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Flomax is an alpha-blocker that works by relaxing the muscles in the bladder and the prostate. It is used for treating the symptoms of an enlarged prostate or BPH.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Flomax, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances.

You must not take Flomax if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or are taking another alpha-blocker (eg, prazosin), have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, severe rash, hives, difficulty breathing, dizziness) to any sulfonamide (sulfa) medicine, such as acetazolamide, celecoxib, certain diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide), sulfonylureas (eg, glyburide), probenecid, sulfamethoxazole, valdecoxib, or zonisamide, ave a history of high blood pressure or prostate cancer, will be having eye surgery.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Flomax and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Flomax is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with Flomax and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking, especially any of the following.

Alpha-blockers (eg, prazosin) or phosphodiesterase inhibitors (eg, sildenafil) because it may cause low blood pressure and related symptoms like severe dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.

Azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), cimetidine, or serotonin specific reuptake inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine) because they may increase the risk of Flomax 's side effects

Warfarin because Flomax increases the chance of their side effects.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are Back pain, blurred vision, cough, decreased sexual ability, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, runny or stuffy nose, sinus inflammation, trouble sleeping, weakness. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), chest pain, fainting, fever, chills, or persistent sore throat, irregular heartbeat, prolonged, painful erection, severe of persistent dizziness.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.