Flomax online

Item name:

Flomax

Generic name:

tamsulosine

Brand names:

Flomax (Boehringer Ingelheim)

Item info:

Tamsulosin relaxes your veins and arteries so that blood can more easily pass through them. It also relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate. Tamsulosin is used to improve urination in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).

Drug class:

Tamsulosin is in a group of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers.

Interactions:

Before taking tamsulosin, tell your doctor if you use any of the following medicines:

•  cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB); or 
•  warfarin (Coumadin).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to take tamsulosin, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect tamsulosin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Side effects:

Stop using tamsulosin and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using tamsulosin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer;
• severe dizziness; or
• fainting.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.

Continue using tamsulosin and talk with your doctor if you have any of these side effects:

• mild dizziness or drowsiness;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• abnormal ejaculation, decreased sex drive; or
• runny or stuffy nose.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Prescription needed / OTC:

Only by doctor's prescription

Dosage:

Take tamsulosin exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not use more of the medication than recommended. Do not take tamsulosin for longer than your doctor has prescribed.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Swallow the tamsulosin capsule whole. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsule.

Tamsulosin is usually taken once a day, approximately 30 minutes after a meal. Try to take this medication at the same time each day.

If tamsulosin makes you dizzy, taking it after your evening meal may be helpful.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your doctor will need to check you on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Contraindications:

Before taking tamsulosin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfa drugs. You may also be allergic to tamsulosin. If you will be having cataract surgery, tell the surgeon that you are taking tamsulosin.

Although tamsulosin should not be used by women, this drug is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby.

Storage:

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

BPH Medications

• Flomax
• Propecia
• Proscar