Why is Flomax (Tamsulosin) prescribed
Flomax (Tamsulosin) is used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate--a condition technically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. The walnut-sized prostate gland surrounds the urethra (the duct that drains the bladder). If the gland becomes enlarged, it can squeeze the urethra, interfering with the flow of urine. This can cause difficulty in starting urination, a weak flow of urine, and the need to urinate urgently or more frequently. Flomax (Tamsulosin) doesn't shrink the prostate. Instead, it relaxes the muscle around it, freeing the flow of urine and decreasing urinary symptoms.
Before using
Do not take Flomax (Tamsulosin) if you are also taking certain medicines for erectile dysfunction such as sildenafil or vardenafil. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are also taking other alpha- blockers (e.g., prazosin, terazosin, doxazosin).
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including high blood pressure, or allergies. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Flomax (Tamsulosin) may come with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
Take Flomax (Tamsulosin) 30 minutes after the same meal every day. Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. Skip the missed dose if you do not remember until the next day. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
It may take 1 week for this medicine to work. Do not stop using Flomax (Tamsulosin) without checking with your doctor. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase dizziness. To prevent dizziness or fainting, sit up or stand up slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness or weakness. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Possible side effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, nasal congestion, abnormal ejaculation, muscle weakness, back pain, or increased cough. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience a decrease in vision. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe headache, dizziness, and fainting.
Additional information
Do not share Flomax (Tamsulosin) with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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