Brand Name

Flomax {Boehringer Ingelheim}

Generic Name

tamsulosin, pronounced tam soo LOE sin

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Drug Guide

The information contained in the following drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

What is Flomax?

Flomax is used to help men that have benign prostatic hyperplasia, as it can help to improve urination. Flomax helps to relax the muscles in your bladder neck and prostate, making it easier for you to urinate.

Key Facts About Flomax

Flomax is in a group of medications alpha-adrenergic blockers.

Flomax works by reducing the swelling of your prostate gland, which when swollen, may block the flow of urine. Flomax helps to relax the muscles of the prostate and increase your urine flow.

Women and children should not take Flomax, as this drug is prescribed for men only.

You may experience a sudden drop in blood pressure when taking Flomax, especially after the first dose. This drop in your blood pressure can cause dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting. Be sure to rise slowly from a bed or chair each time until you determine how you react to Flomax.

You should not drive or take part in any potentially hazardous activities until you are comfortable with your dose of Flomax and used to the side effects.

There is a small chance that taking Flomax can cause a painful erection, which cannot be relieved by having intercourse. If this happens to you while you are taking Flomax seek medical attention right away.

Flomax may also be prescribed for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Before You Take Flomax

If you are allergic to tamsulosin hydrochloride you should not take Flomax.

Tell your doctor if you have an allergy to sulfa drugs, as you may not be able to take Flomax.

You should be screened for Prostate Cancer before starting treatment with Flomax. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) frequently exists alongside prostate cancer, so you should be screened not only before you start Flomax, but also during your treatment at regular intervals.

Tell your doctor about all of the prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications that you take before you start treatment with Flomax.

Inform your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have a history of low blood pressure, kidney or liver problems.

Let your doctor know if you are planning to you have cataract surgery before you begin taking Flomax.

Flomax Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• alpha blocker medications like alfuzosin (Uroxatral), doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), and terazosin (Hytrin)
• anticoagulants like warfarin (Coumadin)
• cimetidine (Tagamet)
• fluoxetine (Prozac)
• ketoconazole
• medications for erectile dysfunction (ED) like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra)
• paroxetine

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Flomax. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Flomax

The typical dose is 0.4 mg daily, for adult males. Your doctor may choose to increase your dose to 0.8 mg daily if you do not respond to the lower dose.

Your doctor will prescribe your dose of Flomax based on your medical history and condition. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions exactly. Do not change your dosage of Flomax or stop taking Flomax without your doctor’s approval.

You should take Flomax approximately 30 minutes after the same meal, every day.

Flomax capsules should be swallowed whole, and not chewed, crushed or opened.

Flomax should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and light.

If you miss a dose of Flomax you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose do not take the missed dose in addition to your regular dose.

Flomax Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Flomax and seek emergency medical help immediately;

• allergic reaction such as hives, itching or a rash
• blistering of your skin
• difficulty breathing
• eye problems during or after cataract surgery
• painful erection that will not go away

Less serious side effects of Flomax may include:

• blurred vision
• chest pain and cough
• decreased semen
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• faint feeling
• headache
• nausea
• runny nose
• sinus infection
• sleeplessness
• sore throat
• upset stomach
• weakness

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Flomax. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Flomax Description and Dosing

Flomax is available in 0.4 mg tablets.

All people taking Flomax should consult their doctor for specific dosing pertaining to them. Do not attempt to alter or change your dose without your physician’s consent.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Flomax you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Flomax

The primary active ingredient in Flomax is tamsulosin hydrochloride. Other ingredients include methacrylic acid copolymer dispersion, NF; microcrystalline cellulose, NF; triacetin, USP; calcium stearate, NF; talc, USP; FD&C blue No. 2; titanium dioxide; ferric oxide; gelatin, and trace amounts of black edible ink.

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The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.