Description

Flomax is a medicine prescribed for the treatment of symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), obstruction of bladder outlet stones in the kidney.

Tamsulosin is a substance in Flomax that relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck. It is used to help with urination and relieve symptoms of BPH. 

What is Flomax used for?  

• In males with benign prostatic hyperplasia, this prescription drug is used to enhance urination and assist with symptoms including needing to pee frequently or urgently, having a weak stream, having trouble starting the flow of urine, and needing to urinate in the middle of the night. 
• Depending on your medical condition, your healthcare provider may prescribe this medication for different uses. 

How does Flomax work?  

• This is a special type of alpha-blocker since it solely affects the alpha-1 receptors in the prostate. When you take the Capsules as prescribed, it works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and the bladder causing urine to run freely from your bladder down the urethra, with no dribbling, or urgency.

Direction 

• This is normally taken once a day, around 30 minutes after eating. The drug should be taken every day at the same time. 
• Crushing, chewing, or opening the capsule is not recommended. Completely swallow the pill. 
• The medication decreases blood pressure and might produce dizziness or fainting, particularly when first starting or restarting treatment. If you’re experiencing extreme dizziness or feel like you’re about to pass out, call your doctor.

Side Effects of Flomax 

Adverse effects include some of the following:

• Dizziness, sleepiness, exhaustion; 
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea 
• Headache, chest discomfort; 
• Faulty ejaculation, insufficient sperm;
• Backache; 
• Eyesight problems; 
• Difficulties with teeth 
• Flu symptoms include fever, chills, body aches, and body pains. 
• A stuffy or runny nose, sinus discomfort, a sore throat, and cough 
• Insomnia (sleep deprivation); or 
• Interest in sex has waned.

Caution

• If you are allergic to tamsulosin, you should not use Flomax. Tamsulosin should not be used with alfuzosin (Uroxatral), doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), silodosin (Rapaflo), or terazosin (Hytrin).
• If you stop taking Flomax for whatever reason, see your doctor before restarting your treatment. It’s possible that your dose will need to be modified.
• During cataract surgery, tamsulosin might alter your pupils. Inform your eye surgeon that you are taking this medicine ahead of time. Stop taking Flomax if your surgeon tells you to before surgery. 
• High blood pressure should not be treated with this medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take Flomax Forever?  

Yes, this is used for long-term treatment and you may need to take this medication for the rest of your life to regulate your symptoms. 

How does this medication work?  

Tamsulosin relaxes muscles in the bladder neck and prostate by acting on alpha receptors. This helps to enhance urine flow while also reducing the symptoms of BPH.