What is Generic Flomax(Tamsulosin)?
Generic Flomax(Tamsulosin) is in a class of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers. Tamsulosin causes the blood vessels (veins and arteries) to relax and expand, so that blood passes through them more easily. This effect relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.
What is Generic Generic Flomax(Tamsulosin) used for?
Generic Flomax(Tamsulosin) is used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate-a condition technically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH.
Generic Flomax(Tamsulosin) Facts
Active Ingredients: Tamsulosin
Other Ingredients: methacrylic acid copolymer, microcrystalline cellulose, triacetin, polysorbate 80, sodium lauryl sulfate, calcium stearate, talc, FD&C blue No. 2, titanium dioxide, ferric oxide, gelatin, and trace amounts of shellac, industrial methylated spirit 74 OP, n-butyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol, dimethylpolysiloxane, and black
iron oxide E172.
Class and mechanism: Tamsulosin is a drug for the treatment of men who are having difficulty urinating because of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In men, the tube which carries urine from the bladder to the penis (called the urethra) travels through the prostate gland. As men get older, the prostate gland enlarges, and the muscle cells within the
prostate gland and the neck of the bladder (which control the flow of urine) tighten. The combination of enlargement and tightening of muscles compresses the urethra and obstructs the flow of urine. This results in difficulty urinating and retention of urine within the
bladder. The tightening or contraction of the muscle cells is controlled by nerves. One type of nerve, the alpha adrenergic nerves, cause the muscle cells to tighten by releasing a chemical related to epinephrine (adrenalin). Tamsulosin blocks the effects of this chemical on the muscle cells and causes the muscles to relax. This results in a decrease in obstruction to the flow of urine.
Generic Flomax(Tamsulosin) Storage
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature below 20 degrees—25 degrees C (68 degrees—77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
How to take Generic Flomax(Tamsulosin)?
Follow your doctor's directions carefully. The recommended dose of Generic Flomax is one 0.4 mg capsule, taken once daily, approximately 30 minutes after the same meal each day. If dizziness occurs, taking Flomax after the evening meal may be helpful. It is important to take
Generic Flomax regularly to get the most benefit. If treatment with Generic Flomax is missed or stopped for several days in a row, contact your healthcare provider before restarting the medication. A lower dose may be necessary.
Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Tamsulosin to monitor progress and side effects.
What to do If I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication. If treatment with Generic Flomax is missed or stopped for several days in a row, contact your healthcare provider before restarting the medication. A lower dose may be necessary.
If OVERDOSE accurs seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Generic Flomax overdose include weakness; dizziness; fainting; a weak, fast pulse; cold, clammy skin; and, possibly, loss of consciousness or coma.
Who should not take Generic Flomax(Tamsulosin)?
Generic Flomax is prescribed for males only and should not be taken by women.
What side effects may occur?
More common side effects may include:
Abnormal ejaculation, back pain, chest pain, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, infection, nausea, runny nose, sinus problems, sleepiness, sore throat, weakness
Less common side effects may include:
Decreased sex drive, dental problems, insomnia, vision problems
Rare side effects may include:
Constipation, fainting, low blood pressure upon standing, painful persistent erection, palpitations, vertigo, vomiting
Generic Flomax(Tamsulosin) Drug Interactions
If Flomax is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Flomax with any of the following:
- terazosin (Hytrin),
- prazosin (Minipress),
- doxazosin (Cardura),
- cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB), or
- warfarin (Coumadin).
You may not be able to take Generic Flomax, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Flomax. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
Additional Information
Generic Flomax(Tamsulosin) is approved to treat male urinary symptoms due to BPH. Only your doctor can tell if your symptoms are due to BPH and not another condition such as prostate cancer.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Generic Flomax(Tamsulosin) may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
Dizziness is most likely to occur at the start of therapy and when rising from a sitting or lying position. Use caution and rise slowly to avoid falling.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase dizziness caused by Flomax.
Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules. Swallow them whole.
