Generic Flomax (TAMSULOSIN) is an alpha blocker used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).

Common uses

This medicine is an alpha blocker used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (bph).

Before using

Do not take flomax if you are also taking certain medicines for erectile dysfunction such as sildenafil or vardenafil. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are also taking other alpha- blockers (e.g., prazosin, terazosin, doxazosin).

Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including high blood pressure, or allergies. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking flomax.

Directions

Follow the directions for using flomax provided by your doctor. This medicine may come with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about flomax. Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.

Take flomax 30 minutes after the same meal every day. Store flomax at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of flomax, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. Skip the missed dose if you do not remember until the next day. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

It may take 1 week for flomax to work. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to flomax. Using flomax alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.

Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase dizziness. To prevent dizziness or fainting, sit up or stand up slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness or weakness. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, nasal congestion, abnormal ejaculation, muscle weakness, back pain, or increased cough. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience a decrease in vision. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe headache, dizziness, and fainting.

Additional information

Do not share flomax with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use flomax for other health conditions. Keep flomax out of the reach of children. If using flomax for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Medicine interactions

Medicine interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with flomax. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.