About all

Flomax for Females: Effectiveness of Tamsulosin in Treating Women’s Voiding Difficulties

How effective is tamsulosin in treating women with voiding difficulty. What are the benefits of using Flomax for females with urinary issues. Can Flomax help women with bladder outlet obstruction or detrusor underactivity.

Содержание

Understanding Tamsulosin and Its Use in Female Urinary Issues

Tamsulosin, commonly known by its brand name Flomax, is an alpha-blocker medication primarily prescribed to men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, recent studies have explored its potential benefits for women experiencing urinary difficulties. This article delves into the effectiveness of tamsulosin in treating women with voiding problems, providing insights into its mechanism of action and potential applications.

What is Tamsulosin and How Does It Work?

Tamsulosin is an alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist that relaxes smooth muscles in the bladder neck and prostate, facilitating urine flow. In women, it may help alleviate urinary symptoms by relaxing the muscles around the urethra and bladder sphincter. This action can potentially improve urine flow and reduce voiding difficulties in female patients.

Evaluating Tamsulosin’s Effectiveness in Women with Voiding Difficulty

A prospective study was conducted to assess the efficacy of tamsulosin in treating women with chronic, bothersome voiding symptoms. The research involved 97 female patients who met specific inclusion criteria, including subnormal uroflow and persistent voiding issues.

Study Methodology

  • Patients were administered 0.2 mg of tamsulosin daily for six weeks
  • Outcome measures included the International Prostate Symptom Score and uroflowmetry with post-void residual urine
  • A good therapeutic response was defined as a 50% or greater reduction in voiding symptom score and a 30% or greater increase in maximal flow rate
  • Subgroup analysis was performed on patients with bladder outlet obstruction or detrusor underactivity

Key Findings: Tamsulosin’s Impact on Female Voiding Symptoms

The study revealed significant improvements in various urinary parameters for women taking tamsulosin. These results provide valuable insights into the medication’s potential benefits for female patients with voiding difficulties.

Overall Improvements Observed

How did tamsulosin affect urinary symptoms in the study participants. The research showed notable improvements in:

  • Voiding symptom score
  • Storage symptom score
  • Maximal flow rate
  • Post-void residual urine
  • Voiding efficiency

These improvements were observed across all patients in the study, suggesting a broad positive impact of tamsulosin on female urinary function.

Therapeutic Response Rate

What percentage of women experienced a good therapeutic response to tamsulosin. The study found that 35.1% of patients achieved the criteria for a good therapeutic response. This indicates that more than one-third of women with voiding difficulties may benefit significantly from tamsulosin treatment.

Subgroup Analysis: Bladder Outlet Obstruction vs. Detrusor Underactivity

The study further analyzed the effects of tamsulosin on two specific subgroups of patients: those with bladder outlet obstruction and those with detrusor underactivity. This analysis provides insights into the medication’s efficacy for different underlying causes of voiding difficulties in women.

Comparative Results

How did tamsulosin’s effectiveness differ between the two subgroups. The study revealed:

  • Both groups experienced significant reductions in voiding symptom scores
  • Patients with bladder outlet obstruction were more likely to achieve a reduction in their voiding symptom score
  • Improvements in uroflow parameters were similar between the two groups
  • The proportion of patients achieving a good therapeutic response was comparable (39.4% for bladder outlet obstruction vs. 32.7% for detrusor underactivity, P = 0.69)

These findings suggest that tamsulosin may be beneficial for women with voiding difficulties, regardless of whether the underlying cause is bladder outlet obstruction or detrusor underactivity.

Safety Profile and Tolerability of Tamsulosin in Women

An important aspect of any medication’s use is its safety profile and tolerability. The study provided insights into how well women tolerated tamsulosin treatment.

Adverse Events

Were there any significant side effects reported during the study. The research found that adverse events associated with tamsulosin use in women were generally mild and tolerable. This suggests that the medication may have a favorable safety profile for female patients, although further long-term studies may be needed to confirm these findings.

Comparing Tamsulosin Use in Men and Women

While tamsulosin is primarily prescribed for men with BPH, its potential use in women raises questions about similarities and differences in its application between genders.

Mechanism of Action

How does tamsulosin’s mechanism of action differ between men and women. In men, tamsulosin primarily targets the prostate and bladder neck muscles. In women, who lack a prostate, the medication’s effects are focused on the muscles around the urethra and bladder sphincter. Despite this anatomical difference, the overall impact on improving urinary flow appears to be similar.

Dosage Considerations

Is the dosage of tamsulosin the same for women as it is for men. The study used a daily dose of 0.2 mg for women, which is lower than the typical 0.4 mg dose prescribed for men with BPH. This lower dosage may help minimize potential side effects while still providing therapeutic benefits for female patients.

Potential Applications of Tamsulosin in Female Urological Conditions

The positive results of this study open up possibilities for broader applications of tamsulosin in treating female urological conditions.

Expanding Treatment Options

For which female urological conditions might tamsulosin be considered as a treatment option. Based on the study results, tamsulosin could potentially be considered for:

  • Chronic voiding difficulties in women
  • Bladder outlet obstruction
  • Detrusor underactivity
  • Other lower urinary tract symptoms in women

However, it’s important to note that further research and clinical trials may be necessary to fully establish tamsulosin’s efficacy and safety for these conditions in female patients.

Future Research Directions for Tamsulosin in Women’s Urological Health

While this study provides valuable insights into tamsulosin’s potential benefits for women with voiding difficulties, it also highlights areas where further research is needed.

Long-term Effects and Safety

What aspects of tamsulosin use in women require further investigation. Future studies could focus on:

  • Long-term efficacy and safety of tamsulosin in women
  • Optimal dosing strategies for female patients
  • Potential interactions with other medications commonly prescribed to women
  • Effects on quality of life and overall urological health in women

These research directions could help establish more comprehensive guidelines for the use of tamsulosin in treating female urological conditions.

Comparison with Other Treatment Options

How does tamsulosin compare to other treatments for female voiding difficulties. Future studies could explore:

  • Head-to-head comparisons with other medications used for female urinary symptoms
  • Combination therapies involving tamsulosin and other urological treatments
  • Cost-effectiveness analyses of tamsulosin compared to alternative treatments

Such research could help healthcare providers make more informed decisions when choosing treatment options for women with voiding difficulties.

Practical Implications for Healthcare Providers and Patients

The findings of this study have several practical implications for both healthcare providers and female patients experiencing voiding difficulties.

Considerations for Healthcare Providers

What should healthcare providers consider when contemplating tamsulosin for female patients. Key considerations include:

  • Careful evaluation of the underlying cause of voiding difficulties
  • Assessment of potential benefits versus risks for each individual patient
  • Monitoring of treatment response and potential side effects
  • Patient education about the off-label use of tamsulosin for female urinary issues

Healthcare providers should also stay informed about ongoing research and emerging guidelines for the use of tamsulosin in women.

Patient Education and Empowerment

How can female patients benefit from this information about tamsulosin. Patients should be encouraged to:

  • Discuss their urinary symptoms openly with their healthcare providers
  • Ask about potential treatment options, including tamsulosin
  • Understand the potential benefits and risks of tamsulosin treatment
  • Report any side effects or changes in symptoms during treatment

Empowering patients with knowledge about their treatment options can lead to more informed decision-making and potentially better outcomes.

Conclusion: Tamsulosin’s Promise in Women’s Urological Health

The study on tamsulosin’s effectiveness in treating women with voiding difficulties provides encouraging results. With a significant proportion of women experiencing improvements in their urinary symptoms, tamsulosin shows promise as a potential treatment option for female patients struggling with chronic voiding issues.

While further research is needed to fully establish its long-term efficacy and safety profile in women, the current findings suggest that tamsulosin could play a valuable role in expanding treatment options for female urological conditions. As research in this area continues to evolve, healthcare providers and patients alike should stay informed about the potential benefits and considerations of using tamsulosin for women’s urinary health.

Ultimately, the goal is to improve the quality of life for women experiencing voiding difficulties, and tamsulosin may offer a new avenue for achieving this objective. As with any medical treatment, decisions about using tamsulosin should be made on an individual basis, taking into account each patient’s unique circumstances and needs.

The effectiveness of tamsulosin in treating women with voiding difficulty


Objectives:

To prospectively evaluate the effectiveness of tamsulosin in treating women with voiding difficulty.


Methods:

Female patients presenting chronic, bothersome voiding symptoms, combined with subnormal uroflow were treated with 0.2 mg tamsulosin daily for six weeks. Outcome analyses included the International Prostate Symptom Score and uroflowmetry with post-void residual urine. Patients achieving a 50% or greater reduction in their voiding symptom score, combined with a 30% or greater increment in their maximal flow rate were regarded as having a good therapeutic response. Subgroup analysis was performed in patients classified as having bladder outlet obstruction, or detrusor underactivity based on pressure-flow study, excluding those with indwelling catheterization or intermittent self-catheterization as well as those with anatomic obstruction.


Results:

Ninety-seven patients met the study inclusion criteria and were enrolled. Significant improvements in voiding symptom score, storage symptom score, maximal flow rate, post-void residual urine and voiding efficiency were observed in all patients while on tamsulosin. A good therapeutic response was observed in 35.1% of patients. Of these, 33 were classified as having bladder outlet obstruction and 52 had detrusor underactivity. Although both groups experienced significant reduction in their voiding symptom scores, patients with bladder outlet obstruction were more likely to achieve a reduction of their voiding symptom score. The magnitude of improvement in uroflow parameters as well as the proportion of patients achieving a good therapeutic response (39.4% for bladder outlet obstruction vs 32.7% for detrusor underactivity, P = 0.69) were similar between the two groups. Adverse events were mild and tolerable.


Conclusions:

Tamsulosin has beneficial effects in a significant proportion of women with voiding difficulty.

Flomax for Women | Flomax Side Effects

Although commonly considered an alpha-blocker medication prescribed to men battling benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Flomax can also be prescribed for women experiencing bladder blockages or obstruction to help them urinate more easily.

BPH is a condition that affects about 50 percent of men between the ages of 51 and 60 and up to 90 percent of men older than 80.

It occurs when the prostate, expands to twice or even three times its regular size.

The growing prostate gland gradually presses against the urethra, restricting urinary flow and resulting in urinary problems.

While Flomax has long been the mainstay of treatment for men with BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), little research has investigated the use of alpha-blockers in women.

This article will discuss the effectiveness of using Flomax for women.

What Is Flomax Used For?

As discussed, Flomax is generally used to relieve urinary symptoms associated with BPH. Doctors may also prescribe tamsulosin to help the body clear or pass kidney stones.

Flomax works by paralyzing the muscles around your urethra and your bladder sphincter. The sphincter muscles enable you to hold in your urine until you can get to a toilet.

However, although it helps to ease urination, it does not affect your prostate health whatsoever.

You may experience short-term relief of urinary symptoms, but it does not address the underlying cause.

A 2003 Cochrane systematic review looked at the effects of Tamsulosin for BPH. The analysis involved 14 studies, ranging between 1 to 6 months long.

Although the participants reported improvements in symptoms, it was also found that men reported dizziness, rhinitis, and abnormal ejaculation compared to the placebo group.

The authors of this review suggested a need for more extended studies looking at the long term effects was required.

A further known side effect of Flomax is hypotension. A study in the BMJ (October 26, 2015) revealed that alpha-blockers, such as Flomax, can increase the risk of falls. The study found a 15-16% increased risk for fractures and head trauma during the first three months of taking such medications.

Flomax is also used as a treatment for kidney stones. Kidney stones form as a buildup of various compounds that become sedimented in the upper urinary tract.

They often go unnoticed as they do not grow big enough and can be eliminated without causing any significant symptoms.

Flomax is known to relax the smooth muscle in the urinary tract. It may also reduce the effect of entrapment that often leads to urinary obstruction in cases of kidney stones.

Get Your FREE PSA Lowering Diet Plan!

  • Naturally lower PSA levels
  • Reduce nighttime trips to the bathroom
  • Enjoy better bladder control and urine flow

Flomax Warnings

Does Flomax have side effects?

The problem with the prescription medication is that it has side effects and like other drugs do. Here is a list of some of the long list of adverse effects from Flomax:

Pregnancy and Flomax

The FDA does not approve the use of Flomax for women, but Tamsulosin is sometimes prescribed off-label to women for the treatment of an overactive bladder, voiding in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and urinary retention.

Similar to the way it works for BPH, Tamsulosin is effective by relaxing the smooth muscle in the urinary tract.

Flomax is listed as a category B medication for pregnancy. This means that the side effects during pregnancy are unknown.

Tamsulosin interactions with

  • Acid-blocking drugs, such as cimetidine
  • Antifungal drugs, such as ketoconazole
  • Medication for erectile dysfunction

Is Flomax Effective?

A review evaluated Tamsulosin for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in women.

All trials showed statistically significant improvement with Tamsulosin in female lower urinary tract symptoms (especially in women with predominant voiding dysfunction) as well as improvements in quality of life and sleep quality.

However, people reported several side effects, including, dizziness and asthenia, stress incontinence and urgency, fatigue, drowsiness, and hypotension.

Tamsulosin has been studied and found helpful for reducing excessive nighttime urination in women.

269 patients completed a voiding diary, a questionnaire on the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) sleep scale and underwent follow-up evaluation after 4 weeks of treatment (Tamsulosin, 0.2 mg, once daily).

The effectiveness of the treatment was assessed by analysis of the IPSS, the bother score, the Qmax, and postvoid residual urine (PVR).

Nocturia significantly reduces after tamsulosin treatment. Thereby, sleep quality also improves.

Although some studies suggest that Flomax can improve urinary symptoms in women, the majority of evidence suggests that Tamsulosin is moderately effective at best.

We need further long-term studie to evaluate the effectiveness of Flomax for women and the side effects that it can cause.

Meanwhile, extensive studies have reviewed the use of Flomax for men, especially in regard to treating BPH.

A large number of these studies have reported dangerous side effects associated with Flomax including; erectile dysfunction, hypotension, long-term incontinence, and floppy iris syndrome.

Women taking Tamsulosin or considering taking Tamsulosin should be made aware that taking this medication means that symptoms are unlikely to go completely.

It is also essential to bear in mind that Flomax can have significant side effects that can impact the quality of life. There are several natural alpha blockers that work in a similar way to Flomax, such as saw palmetto. and rye flower pollen.

Conclusion

The research into the effectiveness of Flomax for women remains limited. However, people report a number of side, and the FDA has not approved the use of the drug for women. Before taking Tamsulosin, speak with your doctor about the possible side effects.

Next Up

Find out 5 Natural Alternatives To Flomax.

Summary

Article Name

Flomax for Women – Ben’s Natural Health

Description

Flomax has long been the mainstay of treatment for men with BPH. However, little research has investigated the use of Flomax for women.

Author

Dr Alberto Parra

Publisher Name

Ben’s Natural Health Team

Publisher Logo

Clinical Management of Urinary Incontinence in Women

1. Landefeld CS,
Bowers BJ,
Feld AD,

et al.
National Institutes of Health state-of-the-science conference statement: prevention of fecal and urinary incontinence in adults. Ann Intern Med.
2008;148(6):449–458….

2. Thom D.
Variation in estimates of urinary incontinence prevalence in the community: effects of differences in definition, population characteristics, and study type. J Am Geriatr Soc.
1998;46(4):473–480.

3. DeMaagd G.
Urinary incontinence: treatment update with a focus on pharmacological management. US Pharm.
2007;32(6):34–44.

4. Branch LG,
Walker LA,
Wetle TT,
DuBeau CE,
Resnick NM.
Urinary incontinence knowledge among community-dwelling people 65 years of age and older. J Am Geriatr Soc.
1994;42(12):1257–1262.

5. Khandelwal C,
Kistler C.
Diagnosis of urinary incontinence. Am Fam Physician.
2013;87(8):543–550.

6. Gibbs CF,
Johnson TM II,
Ouslander JG.
Office management of geriatric urinary incontinence. Am J Med.
2007;120(3):211–220.

7. Norton P,
Brubaker L.
Urinary incontinence in women. Lancet.
2006;367(9504):57–67.

8. Gormley EA,
Lightner DJ,
Burgio KL,

et al.
Diagnosis and treatment of overactive bladder (non-neurogenic) in adults: AUA/SUFU guideline. J Urol.
2012;188(6 suppl):2455–2463.

9. Demaagd GA,
Davenport TC.
Management of urinary incontinence. P T.
2012;37(6):345H–361H.

10. Weiss BD.
Selecting medications for the treatment of urinary incontinence. Am Fam Physician.
2005;71(2):315–322.

11. Davila GW.
Nonsurgical outpatient therapies for the management of female stress urinary incontinence: long-term effectiveness and durability. Adv Urol.
2011;2011:176498.

12. Wai CY.
Surgical treatment for stress and urge urinary incontinence. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am.
2009;36(3):509–519.

13. Khan IJ,
Tariq SH.
Urinary incontinence: behavioral modification therapy in older adult. Clin Geriatr Med.
2004;20(3):499–509.

14. Urinary incontinence: the management of urinary incontinence in women. National Collaborating Centre for Women’s and Children’s Health. October 2006.

15. Wallace SA,
Roe B,
Williams K,
Palmer M.
Bladder training for urinary incontinence in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2004;(1):CD001308.

16. Burgio KL,
Locher JL,
Goode PS,

et al.
Behavioral vs drug treatment for urge urinary incontinence in older women: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA.
1998;280(23):1995–2000.

17. Ostaszkiewicz J,
Johnston L,
Roe B.
Habit retraining for the management of urinary incontinence in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2004;(2):CD002801.

18. Ostaszkiewicz J,
Johnston L,
Roe B.
Timed voiding for the management of urinary incontinence in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2004;(1):CD002802.

19. Peters KM,

et al.
Randomized trial of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation versus extended-release tolterodine: results from the overactive bladder innovative therapy trial. J Urol.
2009;182(3):1055–1061.

20. Fesoterodine (toviaz) for overactive bladder. Med Lett Drugs Ther.
2009;51(1311):34–35.

21. Solifenacin and darifenacin for overactive bladder. Med Lett Drugs Ther.
2005;47(1204):23–24.

22. Roe CM,
Anderson MJ,
Spivack B.
Use of anticholinergic medications by older adults with dementia. J Am Geriatr Soc.
2002;50(5):836–842.

23. Kay GG,
Granville LJ.
Antimuscarinic agents: implications and concerns in the management of overactive bladder in the elderly. Clin Ther.
2005;27(1):127–138.

24. Gopal M,
Haynes K,
Bellamy SL,
Arya LA.
Discontinuation rates of anti-cholinergic medications used for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms. Obstet Gynecol.
2008;112(6):1311–1318.

25. Hartmann KE,
McPheeters ML,
Biller DH,

et al.
Treatment of overactive bladder in women. Evid Rep Technol Assess (Full Rep).
2009;(187):1–120.

26. American Geriatrics Society 2012 Beers Criteria Update Expert Panel.
American Geriatrics Society updated Beers Criteria for potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc.
2012;60(4):616–631.

27. Mirabegron (Myrbetriq) for overactive bladder. Med Lett Drugs Ther.
2013;55(1409):13–15.

28. Sacco E,
Bientinesi R.
Mirabegron: a review of recent data and its prospects in the management of overactive bladder. Ther Adv Urol.
2012;4(6):315–324.

29. Duthie JB,

et al.
Botulinum toxin injections for adults with overactive bladder syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2011;(12):CD005493.

30. Cody JD,

et al.
Oestrogen therapy for urinary incontinence in post-menopausal women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2012;(10):CD001405.

31. Bosch JL.
Electrical neuromodulatory therapy in female voiding dysfunction. BJU Int.
2006;98(suppl 1):43–48.

32. Wing RR,
West DS,
Grady D,

et al.;
Program to Reduce Incontinence by Diet and Exercise Group.
Effect of weight loss on urinary incontinence in overweight and obese women: results at 12 and 18 months. J Urol.
2010;184(3):1005–1010.

33. Benvenuti F,

et al.
Reeducative treatment of female genuine stress incontinence. Am J Phys Med.
1987;66(4):155–168.

34. Dumoulin C,
Hay-Smith J.
Pelvic floor muscle training versus no treatment, or inactive control treatments, for urinary incontinence in women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2010;(1):CD005654.

35. Holroyd-Leduc JM,
Straus SE.
Management of urinary incontinence in women: scientific review. JAMA.
2004;291(8):986–995.

36. Herderschee R,

et al.
Feedback or biofeedback to augment pelvic floor muscle training for urinary incontinence in women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2011;(7):CD009252.

37. Burgio KL,
Good PS,
Locher JL,

et al.
Behavioral training with and without biofeedback in the treatment of urge incontinence in older women: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA.
2002;288(18):2293–2299.

38. Herbison P,
Plevnik S,
Mantle J.
Weighted vaginal cones for urinary incontinence. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2002;(1):CD002114.

39. Galloway NT,
El-Galley RE,
Sand PK,
Appell RA,
Russell HW,
Carlin SJ.
Update on extracorporeal magnetic innervation (EXMI) therapy for stress urinary incontinence. Urology.
2000;56(6 suppl 1):82–86.

40. Gilling PJ,
Wilson LC,
Westenberg AM,

et al.
A double-blind randomized controlled trial of electromagnetic stimulation of the pelvic floor vs sham therapy in the treatment of women with stress urinary incontinence. BJU Int.
2009;103(10):1386–1390.

41. Viera AJ,
Larkins-Pettigrew M.
Practical use of the pessary [published correction appears in Am Fam Physician. 2002;66(1):30]. Am Fam Physician.
2000;61(9):2719–2726.

42. Sirls LT,
Foote JE,
Kaufman JM,

et al.
Long-term results of the FemSoft urethral insert for the management of female stress urinary incontinence. Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct.
2002;13(2):88–95.

43. Lipp A,
Shaw C,
Glavind K.
Mechanical devices for urinary incontinence in women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2011;(7):CD001756.

44. Alhasso A,
Glazener CM,
Pickard R,
N’dow J.
Adrenergic drugs for urinary incontinence in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2005;(3):CD001842.

45. Mariappan P,
Ballantyne Z,
N’Dow JM,
Alhasso AA.
Serotonin and nor-adrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) for stress urinary incontinence in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2005;(3):CD004742.

46. Appell RA,
Singh G,
Klimberg IW,

et al.
Nonsurgical, radiofrequency collagen denaturation for stress urinary incontinence: retrospective 3-year evaluation. Expert Rev Med Devices.
2007;4(4):455–461.

47. Lukban JC.
Transurethral radiofrequency collagen denaturation for treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: a review of the literature and clinical recommendations. Obstet Gynecol Int.
2012;2012:384234.

48. Dmochowski RR,
Blaivas JM,
Gormley EA,

et al.;
Female Stress Urinary Incontinence Update Panel of the American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.
Update of AUA guideline on the surgical management of female stress urinary incontinence. J Urol.
2010;183(5):1906–1914.

49. Estañol MV,
Diokno AC.
Surgical management of urinary incontinence: a geriatric perspective. Clin Geriatr Med.
2004;20(3):525–537.

Tamsulosin Controlled-Release Tablet – Oral

Pronunciation: tam-SOO-loe-sin

Common Brand Name(s): Flomax CR

Important: How To Use This Information

This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

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.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used to help your body “pass,” or get rid of, kidney stones through urination. It may also be used for bladder problems in women.

How To Use

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by 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 with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.

Do not crush or chew this medication. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.

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 or if you restart treatment after you stop taking it. During these times, avoid situations where you may be injured if you faint.

To avoid injury from dizziness or fainting, your doctor may tell you to take your first dose of tamsulosin at bedtime so that your body can get used to its effects.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

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, or ejaculation problems may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, 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 your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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:

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. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. 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 breastfeeding.

Drug 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), boceprevir, clarithromycin, cobicistat, HIV protease inhibitors (such as lopinavir, ritonavir), ribociclib, among others.

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.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as prostate exams, blood pressure) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

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.

Storage

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.

Flomax Use In Female

Post Your Comments?



Flomax® (tamsulosin) for Urinary Issues in Women

6 hours ago Tamsulosin is the most well tolerated, with the most prominent side effect noted being dizziness. In some cases, alpha-blockers lead to worsened stress incontinence, so they may want to be avoided in female patients with stress incontinence. Tamsulosin is also commonly being prescribed for short-term use in women with kidney stones.

Website: Icppharm.com