Flomax

Generic Name: Tamsulosin

US Brand Name: Flomax

Other Brand/Trade Names: Tamsulosin is sold with the following brand names: Flomax, Flomaxtra

Uses

Tamsulosin is an alpha-blocker that is used to improve symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy).

Active Ingredients: Tamsulosin

Inactive Ingredients: industrial methylated spirit 74 OP, n-butyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, methacrylic acid copolymer, microcrystalline cellulose, triacetin, polysorbate 80, sodium lauryl sulfate, calcium stearate, talc, FD&C blue No. 2, titanium dioxide, ferric oxide, gelatin, and trace amounts of shellac, propylene glycol, dimethylpolysiloxane, and black iron oxide E172.

Dosage and Forms

Tamsulosin comes on capsules.

Take Tamsulosin exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not use more of the medication than recommended. Do not take Flomax for longer than your doctor has prescribed. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Swallow the 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 Tamsulosin at the same time each day.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Tamsulosin overdose symptoms may include a fast heartbeat, cold or clammy skin, severe headache, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

Contraindications and Precautions

Don't take Tamsulosin of you are hypersensitive to tamsulosin Hydrochloride or any component of Tamsulosin. Before taking tamsulosin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it. Inform you doctor about your medical history, especially of prostate cancer and blood pressure problems. You may need a special a dose adjustment or special tests.

Side Effects

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. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

Interactions

This drug should not be used with sildenafil and vardenafil because very serious interactions may occur. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting tamsulosin.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other alpha-blocker drugs (e.g., doxazosin, prazosin), high blood pressure drugs (e.g., warfarin), cimetidine, sildenafil (dose 25mg or less), tadalafil.