Flomax (tamsulosin) belongs to a group of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers. Flomax relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.
Flomax is used to improve urination in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).
Flomax .
The health and medical information provided here is for general purposes only and is not a substitute for the expertise and judgment of your physician, or other health care professional. It should not be understood to indicate that the use of this medicine is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Always consult your health care professional before using this, or any other, drug.
You should not use Flomax if you are allergic to tamsulosin. Do not take Flomax with other similar medicines such as alfuzosin (Uroxatral), doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), silodosin (Rapaflo), or terazosin (Hytrin). Flomax may cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you first start taking it or when you start taking it again. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid standing for long periods of time or becoming overheated during exercise and in hot weather. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.
If you stop taking Flomax for any reason, call your doctor before you start taking it again. You may need a dose adjustment.
Flomax can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Tell your eye surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medication. Do not stop using Flomax before surgery unless your surgeon tells you to.
There are many other drugs that can interact with Flomax. Tell your doctor about all medications you use.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Flomax: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Flomax and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
feeling like you might pass out;
chest pain;
fever, chills, body aches, or flu symptoms; or
penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.
Less serious Flomax side effects may include:
mild dizziness;
weakness, drowsiness;
headache;
nausea, diarrhea;
back pain;
blurred vision;
dental problems;
sleep problems (insomnia);
abnormal ejaculation, decreased sex drive; or
runny nose, sore throat, cough.
Take Flomax exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.
Flomax is usually taken once a day, approximately 30 minutes after a meal. Try to take this medication at the same time each day. Do not crush, chew, or open a Flomax capsule. Swallow it whole. Flomax lowers blood pressure and may cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you first start taking it, or when you start taking it again. Call your doctor if you have severe dizziness or feel like you might pass out.
You may feel very dizzy when you first wake up. Be careful when standing or sitting up from a lying position.
If you stop taking Flomax for any reason, call your doctor before you start taking it again. You may need a dose adjustment.
Your blood pressure and prostate will need to be checked often. Visit your doctor regularly.
Some things can cause your blood pressure to get too low. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.
