Flomax Capsules (Tamsulosin)

Flomax (Tamsulosin) Medication Information

Uses

Flomax is an alpha antagonist used for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH.

Dosage

The Flomax capsules are available in 0.4 mg strength. 

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Flomax include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Rhinitis
• Infection
• Abnormal ejaculation
• Asthenia
• Back pain
• Diarrhea
• Somnolence
• Nausea

For a full list of side effects that apply to you, do not hesitate to contact your pharmacist or doctor.

Precautions

Advise patients about the possibility of symptoms related to postural low blood pressure.

Patients should be advised about the possibility and seriousness of priapism.

Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome has been seen during cataract surgery in some patients. Patients considering cataract surgery should tell their ophthalmologist that they have taken Flomax. 

Advise patients to be screened for prostate cancer before treatment and at regular intervals afterward.

Interactions

Common medications that interact with Flomax are listed:

• Ketoconazole
• Erythromycin
• Paroxetine
• Terbinafine
• Sildenafil
• Warfarin 

For more information, do not hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature (77ºF). 

Pharmacist Tips

• Low blood pressure with position changes can occur, a symptom of this includes dizziness. Use caution when driving, or performing hazardous tasks.
• Priapism is a possibility and if this occurs seek immediate medical attention.
• If you are having cataract surgery tell your ophthalmologist that you have been taking Flomax.

Tamsulosin FAQs

Should this be taken with or without food?

The dose should be taken 30 minutes after the same meal every day.

Can I crush this medication?

No, you cannot crush or chew the capsule.

Does Flomax keep you from ejaculating?

One of the side effects seen with Flomax is abnormal ejaculation, which can be the inability to ejaculate or have trouble ejaculating

Does Flomax make you pee more?

Tamsulosin relieves the pressure on the bladder muscles, so you can pee more easily.

How long does it take to work?

BPH relief can be seen in as little as one week, with the effect being seen up to 13 weeks after starting Flomax

Is Flomax worth taking?

Tamsulosin can help with enlarged prostates, but it does have side effects as with any medication. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist to get more answers and information.

Related Drugs

• Avodart
• Cardura 
• Cardura XL
• Flomax Tablets
• Jalyn
• Proscar
• Rapaflo
• Uroxatral

Reference:

Flomax {package insert}. Deerfield, IL: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2009.

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/020579s026lbl.pdf