The following information is a summary about Flomax. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Why is this Flomax medication prescribed?
Flomax/Tamsulosin is used to treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
This Flomax medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or Flomax pharmacist for more Flomax information.
How should this Flomax medicine be used?
Flomax/Tamsulosin comes as a capsule to take by mouth. Flomax usually is taken once a day. Flomax should be taken 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Do not crush, chew, or open capsules of Flomax/tamsulosin. Follow the Flomax directions on your Flomax prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or Flomax pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Flomax/tamsulosin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of Flomax or take Flomax more often than prescribed by your doctor.
What special Flomax precautions should I follow?
Before taking Flomax/tamsulosin,
tell your doctor and Flomax pharmacist if you are allergic to Flomax/tamsulosin or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), cimetidine (Tagamet), doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), terazosin (Hytrin), and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Flomax/tamsulosin, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Flomax/tamsulosin.
you should know that this Flomax drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this Flomax drug affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this Flomax drug.
Flomax Side Effects
Although side effects from Flomax/tamsulosin are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these Flomax symptoms are severe or do not go away:
dizziness
sleepiness
runny nose
sexual dysfunction (difficulty ejaculating)
If you experience the following Flomax symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
painful erection of the penis that lasts for hours
Other uses for this Flomax medicine
This Flomax medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Flomax information.
What storage conditions are needed for Flomax?
Keep Flomax in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Flomax at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Flomax medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Flomax medication.
In case of Flomax emergency/overdose
In case of Flomax overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other Flomax information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during treatment to check your response to Flomax.
Do not let anyone else take your Flomax medication. Ask your Flomax pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your Flomax prescription.
What should I do if I forget a Flomax dose?
Take the missed Flomax dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Flomax dose, skip the missed Flomax dose and continue your regular Flomax dosing schedule. Do not take a double Flomax dose to make up for a missed one.
