Uses

Tamsulosin is known as an alpha 1A receptor antagonist and works by relaxing smooth muscle tissue in order to decrease symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia.

How to Use

Take this medication by mouth 30 minutes after the same meal each day.

Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.

Do not chew or crush.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.

Important Information

Check your blood pressure and meet with your doctor regularly while taking this medication.

You will need to have lab work done while taking this medication and before taking it.

Stand and sit slowly when first starting this medication to avoid dizziness. The effects of dizziness occur more when you first start taking the medicine, over time it begins to go away. If you do feel dizzy, sit down until you feel better.

Avoid alcohol consumption, alcohol can increase chance of dizziness or drowsiness.

Do not operate heavy machinery, drive a car, or engage in other activity that requires fine motor skills until you are sure of how this medication affects you.

If you are going to have surgery on your eyes such as cataract surgery, be sure to inform your eye surgeon that you are taking this medication.

Contact a healthcare provider if you get an erection that lasts more than 4 hours or feels painful. This is very important in order to decrease chances of possible permanent damage to your body.

Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication

Kidney disease(advanced), liver disease(advanced), low blood pressure, prostate cancer, history of allergic reactions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.

Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider

Allergic reactions(hives, itching, rashes, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, vision changes, lightheadedness or fainting, heartbeat changes, painful or long lasting erection, weakness.

Other Side Effects

Trouble sleeping, runny nose, drowsiness, cough, constipation, nausea, vomiting, changes in libido, back pain.

Adult Dose

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

0.4 mg by mouth once daily taken 30 minutes after a meal. After 2-4 weeks of therapy the dose may be increased to .8 mg by mouth once daily if the patient’s response is inadequate.

Sources

1. Flomax (tamsulosin) [package insert]. Ridgefield, CT: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals; 2016.

2. Flomax(R) oral capsules, tamsulosin HCl oral capsules[package insert]. Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals: Ridgefield, CT; 2011.