Flomax (Tamsulosin) Review

Flomax is the brand name for tamsulosin hydrochloride, which usually comes in capsule form. It is used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or a non-cancerous swelling of the prostate in men. This swelling can eventually cause problems by blocking off the urethra, causing problems such as frequent urination, or waking often at night to urinate. Enlargement of the prostate gland is extremely common in men over fifty years of age, and only requires treatment if it is causing secondary problems. Surgical intervention is rarely required, but a course of treatment with Flomax is often helpful. Flomax claims to relieve urinary symptoms in as little as a week. It does this in part by relaxing the veins and arteries so that blood can pass through them, and relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder, which makes it easier to urinate.

Side effects are not usually severe, but can include runny nose, dizziness, and postural hypotension, which means a drop in blood pressure on changing position; sometimes this drop in blood pressure can even cause fainting or blackouts. Men should avoid alcohol while taking Flomax, as it can make these symptoms worse, and should avoid driving or operating machinery if possible. If someone overdoses on Flomax, they priority should be to stabilize his heart rate and blood pressure. This can be done by keeping the person laying on his back until those vital signs return to normal. If they do not return to normal, 911 should be called. Another very rare but severe side effect is an erection which is painful or lasts more than four hours. If this happens, you should contact your doctor or go to the emergency room.

Before beginning Flomax therapy, a patient should be thoroughly evaluated by his doctor. Flomax treats BPH, but cancer can cause the same symptoms as BPH, and can, in fact exist side by side with BPH. If a cancer is present, Flomax will not be able to treat it. Also, patients on alpha-1 blockers, including Flomax, sometimes find that they have Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome, which means that the iris billows when irrigated during cataract surgery. Anyone who is taking or has taken Flomax should inform their opthamologist before they have cataract surgery. Patients who are allergic to sulfa should be extremely careful when taking Flomax, as well.

It is not known how Flomax interacts with other drugs, but it has been determined that Flomax should not be used along with other alpha-1 blockers. In addition, children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, or any women should not take Flomax. Men may temporarily have a lower sperm count, reducing their potential for fertility, but that side effect goes away when they stop taking Flomax.

Flomax is prescribed once a day, thirty minutes after the same meal, so that it is taken consistently and not forgotten day by day. It is extremely important to follow the directions as the doctor has given them; otherwise, the symptoms of BPH may return.