FLOMAX
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride
Used for Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH
*The
image used above of the drug Flomax,
is that of a 0.4 mg Capsule.
Patient Information for FLOMAX
Flomax is for use by men only.
Please read this page before you start taking Flomax. Also, read
it each time you renew your prescription, just in case new information
has been added. Remember, this leaflet does not take the place of
careful discussions with your doctor. You and your doctor should discuss
Flomax when you start taking your medication and at regular checkups.
Why your doctor has prescribed Flomax
What
is BPH?
What Flomax does
What
you need to know while taking Flomax
How to take
Flomax?
Why your doctor has prescribed Flomax:
Your doctor has prescribed Flomax because you have a medical condition
called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. This occurs only in men.
back
to the top
What is BPH?
BPH is an enlargement of the prostate gland. After age 50, most men
develop enlarged prostates. The prostate is located below the bladder.
As the prostate enlarges, it may slowly restrict the flow of urine.
This can lead to symptoms such as:
- a weak urinary stream;
- a sensation of not emptying your bladder completely after you
finish urinating;
- pushing or straining to begin urination;
- stopping and starting again several times when urinating;
- urinating again less than 2 hours after you finish urinating;
- finding it difficult to postpone urination;
- frequent sleep interruption caused by a need to urinate.
back
to the top
What Flomax does:
Flomax acts by relaxing muscles in the prostate and bladder neck
at the site of the obstruction, resulting in improved urine flow,
and reduced BPH symptoms.
back
to the top
What you need to know while taking Flomax:
- You must see your doctor regularly. While taking Flomax, you must
have regular checkups. Follow your doctor's advice about when to
have these checkups.
- About side effects. Like all prescription drugs, Flomax may cause
side effects. Side effects due to Flomax may include dizziness,
insomnia, runny nose, or ejaculatory problems. In some cases side
effects may decrease or disappear while the patient continues to
take Flomax. Some men may experience dizziness or fainting caused
by a decrease in blood pressure after taking Flomax. Although these
symptoms are unlikely, you should avoid driving or hazardous tasks
for 12 hours after the initial dose or after your doctor recommends
an increase in dose. If you interrupt your treatment for several
days or more, resume treatment at 1 capsule/day, after consulting
with your physician.
- Extremely rarely, Flomax Capsules and similar medications have
caused prolonged, painful erection of the penis, which is unrelieved
by sexual intercourse or masturbation. This condition, if untreated,
can lead to permanent inability to have an erection. If you suspect
such symptoms, call your doctor or go to an Emergency Room as soon
as possible.
You should discuss side effects with your doctor before taking Flomax
and anytime you think you are having a side effect.
back
to the top
How to take Flomax:
Follow your doctor's advice about how to take Flomax. You should
take it approximately 30 minutes following the same meal every day.
Do not share Flomax with anyone else; it was prescribed only for
you.
Do not crush, chew, or open capsules of Flomax sustained-release
formulation. These capsules are specially formulated to control the
delivery of tamsulosin HCl to the blood stream.
Each capsule of Flomax sustained-release formulation to be taken
orally contains tamsulosin HCl 0.4 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients (in
alphabetical order): calcium stearate, Eudragit L30D-55*, FD&C Blue
No. 2, ferric oxide (red and yellow), gelatin, microcrystalline cellulose,
talc, titanium dioxide, triacetin.
*Contains methacrylic acid copolymer, polysorbate 80, and sodium
lauryl sulfate.
Capsule imprinting ink contains (in alphabetical order): black iron
oxide, dimethylpolysiloxane, industrial methylated spirit, isopropyl
alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, shellac.
Store at room temperature (15 to 30°C).
Keep Flomax and all medicines out of reach of children.
For more information about Flomax and BPH, talk with your doctor.
In addition, talk to your pharmacist or other health care provider.
back
to the top
|
