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Flomax

Tamsulosin is a drug for the treatment of men who are having difficulty urinating because of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In men, the tube which carries urine from the bladder to the penis (called the urethra) travels through the prostate gland. As men get older, the prostate gland enlarges, and the muscle cells within the prostate gland and the neck of the bladder (which control the flow of urine) tighten. The combination of enlargement and tightening of muscles compresses the urethra and obstructs the flow of urine. This results in difficulty urinating and retention of urine within the bladder. The tightening or contraction of the muscle cells is controlled by nerves. One type of nerve, the alpha adrenergic nerves, cause the muscle cells to tighten by releasing a chemical related to epinephrine (adrenalin). Tamsulosin blocks the effects of this chemical on the muscle cells and causes the muscles to relax. This results in a decrease in obstruction to the flow of urine.

Medications and Prescriptions

Generic name: Tamsulosin
Product Brand Name: Flomax ®

1. Why is this drug prescribed? 
Flomax 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 doesn't shrink the prostate. Instead, it relaxes the muscle around it, freeing the flow of urine and decreasing urinary symptoms.

2. Most important fact about this drug 
Flomax can cause dizziness, especially when you first stand up. Be careful about driving, operating machinery, and performing any other hazardous task until you know how you react to the drug.

3. How should you take this medication? 
Take Flomax once daily, half an hour after the same meal each day. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsule.

--If you miss a dose... Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. If you miss several doses in a row, resume treatment with a dose of 1 capsule daily and check with your doctor on how to proceed.

--Storage instructions.. Store at room temperature.

4. What side effects may occur? 
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Flomax.

· More common side effects may include:
Abnormal ejaculation, back pain, chest pain, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, infection, nausea, runny nose, sinus problems, sleepiness, sore throat, weakness

· Less common side effects may include:
Decreased sex drive, dental problems, insomnia, vision problems

· Rare side effects may include:
Constipation, fainting, low blood pressure upon standing, painful persistent erection, palpitations, vertigo, vomiting

5. Why should this drug not be prescribed? 
If Flomax gives you an allergic reaction, you cannot take the drug.

6. Special warnings about this medication 
Remember that, in a few men, Flomax can cause a drop in blood pressure upon first standing up, which in turn can lead to dizziness or fainting. Avoid driving and other hazardous tasks for 12 hours after your first dose or a dosage increase, and be careful to stand up slowly until you're sure the drug won't make you dizzy. If you do become dizzy, sit down until it passes. Although the problem is extremely rare (affecting perhaps 1 in 50,000) Flomax has been known to cause priapism--a painful, persistent erection unrelated to sexual activity. If you develop this side effect, call your doctor without delay. The condition can lead to permanent impotence if not treated immediately.

7. Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication 
If Flomax is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Flomax with any of the following:

Blood pressure drugs classified as alpha-blockers, such as Catapres
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Warfarin (Coumadin)

8. Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding Flomax is for use only by men.

9. Recommended dosage

ADULT MEN

The recommended starting dose of Flomax is 1 capsule (0.4 milligram) daily, half an hour following the same meal each day. Your doctor may increase the dose to 2 capsules (0.8 milligram) once a day if needed.

10. Overdosage 
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.

· Symptoms of Flomax overdose may include:
Dizziness, fainting, headache

Caution! Before starting to take this medicine, it is vital that you should consult your doctor! Do not use it on your own initiative, without medical advice.