Information on Flomax and How to Use It, Precautions and Other Medications to Avoid While Taking

This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.

Go to page: 1 | 2

Flomax Consumer Information

FLOMAX

Generic Name: tamsulosin (oral) (tam soo LOW sin)

Brand Names: Flomax

What is the most important information I should know about tamsulosin?

  • Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Tamsulosin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
  • Dizziness is most likely to occur at the start of therapy and when rising from a sitting or lying position. Use caution and rise slowly to avoid falling.
  • Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase dizziness caused by tamsulosin.
  • Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules. Swallow them whole.

What is tamsulosin?

  • Tamsulosin is in a class of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers. Tamsulosin causes the blood vessels (veins and arteries) to relax and expand, so that blood passes through them more easily. This effect relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.
  • Tamsulosin is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).
  • Tamsulosin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tamsulosin?

  • Before taking tamsulosin, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or if you take any other medications. You may not be able to take tamsulosin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
  • Tamsulosin is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However, tamsulosin is not indicated for use by women and should not be taken by women.
  • It is not known whether tamsulosin could be harmful to a nursing baby. However, tamsulosin is not indicated for use by women and should not be taken by women.

How should I take tamsulosin?

  • Take tamsulosin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
  • Take each dose with a full glass of water.
  • Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules. Swallow them whole.
  • Tamsulosin is usually taken once a day, approximately one-half hour after the same meal each day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
  • If dizziness occurs, taking tamsulosin after the evening meal may be helpful.
  • It is important to take tamsulosin regularly to get the most benefit.
  • If treatment with tamsulosin is missed or stopped for several days in a row, contact your healthcare provider before restarting the medication. A lower dose may be necessary.
  • Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with tamsulosin to monitor progress and side effects.
  • Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

  • Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication. If treatment with tamsulosin is missed or stopped for several days in a row, contact your healthcare provider before restarting the medication. A lower dose may be necessary.

What happens if I overdose?

  • Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
  • Symptoms of a tamsulosin overdose include weakness; dizziness; fainting; a weak, fast pulse; cold, clammy skin; and, possibly, loss of consciousness or coma.

What should I avoid while taking tamsulosin?

  • Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Tamsulosin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
  • Dizziness is most likely to occur at the start of therapy and when rising from a sitting or lying position. Use caution and rise slowly to avoid falling.
  • Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase dizziness caused by tamsulosin.

Go to page: 1 | 2

Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.