Flomax effects. The Comprehensive Guide to Flomax: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Warnings
What are the uses of Flomax? What is the recommended dosage? What are the potential side effects? Get all the essential information about this medication.
Understanding Flomax: Its Uses and Purpose
Flomax, also known by its generic name tamsulosin, is a medication primarily used by men to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Flomax does not actually shrink the prostate, but it works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and the bladder, which helps to alleviate the symptoms of BPH, such as difficulty in starting the flow of urine, a weak stream, and the need to urinate frequently or urgently, including during the night.
Flomax belongs to a class of drugs called alpha blockers, which work by blocking the action of certain natural substances in the body that would otherwise cause the muscles in the prostate and bladder to tighten. By relaxing these muscles, Flomax helps to improve urine flow and reduce the symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate.
Dosage and Administration
Flomax is typically taken orally, as directed by your healthcare provider. The recommended dosage is usually one capsule (0.4 mg) once daily, taken approximately 30 minutes after the same meal each day. It is important to swallow the capsule whole and not to crush, chew, or open it.
The dosage may be adjusted based on your individual response to the medication and your overall medical condition. It is important to take Flomax regularly to get the most benefit from it, and to avoid situations where you may be at risk of injury if you experience dizziness or fainting, which can be a side effect of the medication, especially when first starting treatment or when the dosage is increased.
Potential Side Effects of Flomax
Like all medications, Flomax can cause side effects. Some of the most common side effects associated with Flomax include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Ejaculation problems
These side effects are usually mild and often go away on their own. However, if they persist or worsen, it is important to inform your healthcare provider.
More serious side effects, though rare, can include fainting and a painful or prolonged erection (lasting 4 hours or more). If you experience either of these side effects, seek medical attention immediately.
Precautions and Interactions
Before taking Flomax, it is important to inform your healthcare provider of any medical conditions you have, especially low blood pressure, certain eye problems (such as cataracts or glaucoma), or any allergies you may have.
Flomax may interact with other medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements. It is crucial to discuss all the products you are currently taking with your healthcare provider to ensure that Flomax is safe and appropriate for you.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Flomax, particularly dizziness and low blood pressure when standing up. This can increase the risk of falls, so it is important to be cautious and to report any such side effects to your healthcare provider.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Flomax
Flomax should only be used during pregnancy when the potential benefits outweigh the risks. It is unknown whether Flomax passes into breast milk, so it is important to consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding while taking this medication.
Key Considerations
When taking Flomax, it is important to be aware of the following:
- Flomax may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness or fainting, especially when first starting the medication or when the dosage is increased.
- Flomax may make you feel drowsy or dizzy, so it is important to avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, until you know how the medication affects you.
- Alcohol and marijuana (cannabis) can increase the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Flomax, so it is best to limit the use of these substances while taking this medication.
- It may take up to 4 weeks for the full benefits of Flomax to be realized, so it is important to be patient and continue taking the medication as directed by your healthcare provider.
Overall, Flomax can be an effective medication for the treatment of BPH symptoms, but it is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to ensure that it is the right treatment option for you and to monitor for any potential side effects or interactions.
Flomax Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing
Uses
Tamsulosin is used by men to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia-BPH). It does not shrink the prostate, but it works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and the bladder. This helps to relieve symptoms of BPH such as difficulty in beginning the flow of urine, weak stream, and the need to urinate often or urgently (including during the middle of the night).Tamsulosin belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha blockers.Do not use this medication to treat high blood pressure.
How to use Flomax
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily, 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Tamsulosin may cause a sudden drop in your blood pressure, which could lead to dizziness or fainting. This risk is higher when you first start taking this drug, after your doctor increases your dose, or if you restart treatment after you stop taking it. During these times, avoid situations where you may be injured if you faint.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
If you have not taken this drug for several days, contact your doctor to see if you need to be restarted at a lower dose.
It may take up to 4 weeks before your symptoms improve. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Side Effects
Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, runny/stuffy nose, or ejaculation problems may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fainting.
Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. If this occurs, stop using this drug and get medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before taking tamsulosin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: low blood pressure, certain eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma).
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery (including cataract/glaucoma eye surgery), tell your doctor or dentist if you are taking or have ever taken this medication, and about all the other products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness and low blood pressure when getting up from a sitting or lying position. These side effects can increase the risk of falling.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: other alpha blocker drugs (such as prazosin, terazosin).
If you are also taking a drug to treat erectile dysfunction-ED or pulmonary hypertension (such as sildenafil, tadalafil), your blood pressure may get too low which can lead to dizziness or fainting. Your doctor may need to adjust your medications to minimize this risk.
Other medications can affect the removal of tamsulosin from your body, which may affect how tamsulosin works. Examples include azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), clarithromycin, cobicistat, HIV protease inhibitors (such as lopinavir), mifepristone, ribociclib, ritonavir, among others.
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Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, fainting.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as prostate exams, blood pressure) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Images
Flomax 0.4 mg capsule
Color: olive green,orangeShape: oblongImprint: Flomax 0.4 mg BI 58
This medicine is a olive green orange, oblong, capsule imprinted with “Flomax 0.4 mg” and “BI 58”.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
What You Need to Know
Flomax and BPH
Flomax, also known by its generic name tamsulosin, is an alpha-adrenergic blocker. It’s approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help improve urine flow in men who have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
BPH is an enlargement of the prostate that’s not caused by cancer. It’s fairly common among older men. Sometimes, the prostate becomes so large that it obstructs the flow of urine. Flomax works by relaxing the muscles in the bladder and prostate, which leads to improved flow of urine and fewer symptoms of BPH.
Like all medications, Flomax comes with the potential for side effects. The most common side effects include dizziness, runny nose, and abnormal ejaculation, including:
- failure to ejaculate
- decreased ease of ejaculation
- ejaculation of semen into the bladder instead of out of the body
Serious side effects are rare. If you take Flomax and think you’re experiencing one of the following serious side effects, see a doctor right away or call 911.
Orthostatic hypotension
This is low blood pressure that happens when you stand up. It can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting. This effect is more common when you first start taking Flomax. It’s also more common if your doctor changes your dosage. You should avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing similar activities until you know how your dosage of Flomax affects you.
Priapism
This is a painful erection that won’t go away and that’s not relieved by having sex. Priapism is a rare but severe side effect of Flomax. If you experience priapism, contact your doctor immediately. Untreated priapism can lead to permanent problems with having and maintaining an erection.
Read more: Symptoms, treatment, and outlook for priapism »
Allergic reaction
An allergic reaction to Flomax can include rash, itching, hives, trouble breathing, and swelling of your throat or tongue.
Serious skin reactions
Flomax can cause serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Symptoms of skin reactions can include raised welts, facial swelling, fever, and difficulty breathing.
Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome
This is a complication during surgery for cataracts or glaucoma. Although rare, this complication has been reported by people who have used Flomax and also had these surgeries. Tell your doctor or surgeon that you take Flomax if you need to have cataract or glaucoma surgery.
Flomax is only approved by the FDA for use in men to treat BPH. However, research has indicated that Flomax is also an effective treatment for women who have trouble emptying their bladders. It can also help both men and women pass kidney stones. Therefore, some doctors also prescribe Flomax off-label for men and women as treatment for kidney stones and urination trouble.
Because Flomax isn’t FDA approved for use in women, the side effects of this drug in women have not been studied. However, women who have used this drug report similar side effects to those in men, with the exceptions of priapism and abnormal ejaculation.
Other drugs can be used to help relieve symptoms of BPH. Two such drugs are Uroxatral and Avodart.
Uroxatral
Uroxatral is the brand name for the drug alfuzosin. Like Flomax, this drug is also an alpha-adrenergic blocker. However, runny nose and abnormal ejaculation are not common with this drug. It can cause dizziness, headaches, and tiredness. Serious side effects of Uroxatral include:
- serious skin reactions, such as peeling
- allergic reactions
- orthostatic hypotension
- priapism
Avodart
Avodart is the brand name for the drug dutasteride. It’s in a class of drugs called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It affects hormones like testosterone and actually shrinks your enlarged prostate. The most common side effects of this drug include:
- impotence, or trouble getting or keeping an erection
- decrease sex drive
- ejaculation problems
- enlarged or painful breasts
Some serious side effects of this drug include allergic reactions and skin reactions such as peeling. You may also have a higher chance of developing a severe form of prostate cancer that grows rapidly and is difficult to treat.
Flomax may cause side effects. Some of these are similar to side effects of other drugs used to relieve symptoms of BPH. While side effects are an important concern when selecting a treatment, there are other considerations as well. Talk to your doctor. They can tell you about other important factors, such as possible drug interactions or other medical conditions that you have, that go into deciding your treatment.
Side effects of Flomax – Drink-Drink
Content
- Side effects of Flomax
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Priapism
- Allergic reaction
- Serious skin reactions
- Intraoperative flaccid iris syndrome
- Side effects of Flomax in women
- Side effects of other drugs for BPH: Avodart and Uroxatral
- Uroxatral
- Avodart
- Talk to your doctor
Flomax and BPH
Flomax, also known collectively as tamsulosin, is an alpha-adrenergic blocker. It is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to improve urinary flow in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
BPH is an enlargement of the prostate that is not caused by cancer. This is quite common among older men. Sometimes the prostate becomes so large that it obstructs the flow of urine. Flomax relaxes the muscles of the bladder and prostate gland, which leads to an improvement in the outflow of urine and a decrease in the symptoms of BPH.
Side effects Flomax
Like all medicines, Flomax can have side effects. The most common side effects include dizziness, runny nose and abnormal ejaculation, including:
- no ejaculation
- reduced ease of ejaculation
- ejaculation of semen into the bladder instead of out of the body
Serious side effects effects are rare. If you are taking Flomax and think you are experiencing one of the following serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately or call 911.
Orthostatic hypotension
This is low blood pressure that occurs when you stand up. It can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting. This effect is more common when you first start taking Flomax. It is also more common if your doctor changes the dosage. You should avoid driving, operating machinery, or similar activities until you know how your dose of Flomax is affecting you.
Priapism
This is a painful erection that does not go away after sex. Priapism is a rare but serious side effect of Flomax. If you experience priapism, contact your doctor immediately. Untreated priapism can lead to permanent erection and maintenance problems.
Read more: Symptoms, treatment, and outlook for priapism »
Allergic reaction
An allergic reaction to Flomax can include rash, itching, hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the throat or tongue.
Serious skin reactions
Flomax may cause serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Symptoms of skin reactions may include raised welts, swelling of the face, fever, and difficulty breathing.
Intraoperative flabby iris syndrome
This is a complication during cataract or glaucoma surgery. This complication, although rare, has been reported by people who have used Flomax and have also had these surgeries. Tell your doctor or surgeon that you are taking Flomax if you need cataract or glaucoma surgery.
Side Effects of Flomax in Women
Flomax is FDA approved for use in men only for the treatment of BPH. However, studies have shown that Flomax is also effective for women who have trouble emptying their bladder. It can also help both men and women get rid of kidney stones. Therefore, some doctors also prescribe Flomax off-label to men and women to treat kidney stones and urinary problems.
Because Flomax is not approved by the FDA for use in women, side effects of this drug have not been studied in women. However, women taking this drug report side effects similar to those of men, with the exception of priapism and abnormal ejaculation.
Side effects of other drugs for BPH: Avodart and Uroxatral
Other drugs may be used to relieve the symptoms of BPH. Two such drugs are Uroxatral and Avodart.
Uroxatral
Uroxatral is the brand name for alfuzosin. Like Flomax, this drug is also an alpha-blocker. However, runny nose and abnormal ejaculation are not characteristic of this remedy. This can cause dizziness, headaches and fatigue. Serious side effects of Uroxatral include:
- serious skin reactions such as peeling
- allergic reactions
- orthostatic hypotension
- priapism
Avodart
Avodart is the brand name for dutasteride. It belongs to a class of drugs called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It affects hormones such as testosterone and actually shrinks an enlarged prostate. The most common side effects of this drug are:
- impotence or problems getting or maintaining an erection
- reduced sex drive
- ejaculatory problems
- enlarged or painful breasts
Some serious side effects of this drug include allergic reactions and skin reactions such as flaking. You may also be at a higher risk of developing severe prostate cancer, which grows rapidly and is difficult to treat.
Talk to your doctor
Flomax may cause side effects. Some of these are similar to the side effects of other drugs used to relieve the symptoms of BPH. While side effects are an important concern when choosing a treatment, there are other considerations. Talk to your doctor. They can tell you about other important factors, such as possible drug interactions or other medical conditions you have, that influence your treatment decision.
Side effects of Flomax – asia-pharm.ru
Flomax and BPH
Flomax, also known by the generic name tamsulosin, is an alpha-adrenergic receptor blocker. It is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to improve urinary flow in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
BPH is an enlargement of the prostate that is not caused by cancer. This is quite common among older men. Sometimes the prostate becomes so large that it obstructs the flow of urine. Flomax relaxes the muscles of the bladder and prostate gland, which leads to an improvement in the outflow of urine and a decrease in the symptoms of BPH.
Like all medicines, Flomax can have side effects. The most common side effects include dizziness, runny nose and abnormal ejaculation, including:
- no ejaculation
- reduced ease of ejaculation
- ejaculation of semen into the bladder instead of out of the body
Serious side effects effects are rare. If you are taking Flomax and think you are experiencing one of the following serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately or call 911.
Orthostatic hypotension
This is low blood pressure that occurs when you stand up. It can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting. This effect is more common when you first start taking Flomax. It is also more common if your doctor changes the dosage. You should avoid driving, operating machinery, or similar activities until you know how your dose of Flomax is affecting you.
Priapism
This is a painful erection that does not go away after sex. Priapism is a rare but serious side effect of Flomax. If you experience priapism, contact your doctor immediately. Untreated priapism can lead to permanent erection and maintenance problems.
Read more: Symptoms, treatment, and outlook for priapism »
Allergic reaction
An allergic reaction to Flomax can include rash, itching, hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the throat or tongue.
Serious skin reactions
Flomax may cause serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Symptoms of skin reactions may include raised welts, swelling of the face, fever, and difficulty breathing.
Intraoperative flabby iris syndrome
This is a complication during cataract or glaucoma surgery. This complication, although rare, has been reported by people who have used Flomax and have also had these surgeries. Tell your doctor or surgeon that you are taking Flomax if you need cataract or glaucoma surgery.
Flomax is FDA approved for use in men for the treatment of BPH only. However, studies have shown that Flomax is also effective for women who have trouble emptying their bladder. It can also help both men and women get rid of kidney stones. Therefore, some doctors also prescribe Flomax off-label to men and women to treat kidney stones and urinary problems.
Because Flomax is not approved by the FDA for use in women, side effects of this drug have not been studied in women. However, women taking this drug report side effects similar to those of men, with the exception of priapism and abnormal ejaculation.
Other drugs may be used to relieve the symptoms of BPH. Two such drugs are Uroxatral and Avodart.
Uroxatral
Uroxatral is the brand name for alfuzosin. Like Flomax, this drug is also an alpha-blocker. However, runny nose and abnormal ejaculation are not characteristic of this remedy. This can cause dizziness, headaches and fatigue. Serious side effects of Uroxatral include:
- severe skin reactions such as flaking
- allergic reactions
- orthostatic hypotension
- priapism
Avodart
Avodart is a brand name for dut asteride It belongs to a class of drugs called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.