General Information on Flomax
Flomax is used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia or enlarged prostate in men. Its generic name is Tamsulosin Hydrochloride, and it belongs to the class of drugs known as alpha-adrenergic blockers.
You can buy Flomax in the form of oral capsules. It works by relaxing the muscles of the prostate and the bladder. In this way, symptoms of BPH are relieved, which may include difficulty urinating, increased or frequent urination, and weak urine stream.
Flomax is meant to be used only by men suffering from symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
Side effects of Flomax
You may experience weakness and dizziness during the first few days of Flomax treatment. You should avoid driving a vehicle, operating a machine, or doing any such activity during this period, as it may result in a serious accident or mishap. Some patients may also suffer from lightheadedness. To stop this from happening, you should slowly get up when you are lying down or sitting. Also avoid alcohol intake during Flomax treatment, as alcohol may worsen the drug’s side effects.
Flomax also increases your risks of suffering a heat stroke. Therefore, you should avoid becoming overheated due to exercise, hot weather, or strenuous physical activity.
As the drug makes you dizzy, you should not take any other medicines along with Flomax that may cause excessive dizziness or worsen the side effect. Such drugs include sedatives, sleeping pills, narcotic pain relievers, antidepressants, anti-anxiety or anti-seizure medicines, tranquilizers or muscle relaxants. Other drugs that may interact adversely with Flomax include antibiotics, anti-fungal medicines, erectile dysfunction drugs, heart medicines, malaria medicines, blood pressure medicines, HIV/AIDS medicines, heart rhythm medications, or psychiatric drugs.
Some common side effects that Flomax patients may experience during treatment include dizziness, headache, weakness, back pain, nausea, blurred vision, diarrhea, abnormal ejaculation, insomnia, lack of interest in sex, and dental problems. Although these are mild side effects of the drug and can be easily managed with or without medical help, you should notify your doctor at once if any of these worsen or persist.
Some serious side effects of Flomax include body ache, painful erection, flu symptoms, fever, chills, or chest pain. Seek medical help immediately if you develop any of these symptoms.
Some hypersensitive patients may also experience an allergic reaction after taking Flomax capsules. Symptoms of an allergy include hives, difficulty breathing, severe dizziness, or itching or swelling of the face, throat, tongue or lips. Discontinue using Flomax and seek medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms.
Dosage of Flomax
You can buy Flomax in 0.4 and 0.8 mg strengths. Initially, you will be advised to take one Flomax 0.4mg capsule once a day for 2 to 4 weeks. The dosage can be increased to one Flomax 0.8mg capsule once a day if deemed fit by your doctor.
Take the Flomax capsule about one hour after your meal. Try to take the drug at almost the same time each day.
