tamsulosin (oral)

Pronunciation:	tam soo LO sin
Brand:	Flomax

What is the most important information I should know about tamsulosin?

Tamsulosin can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. You may feel dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying position. Avoid standing up too quickly to keep from falling. Drinking alcohol can make dizziness worse.

Avoid the use of alcohol, which may increase dizziness caused by tamsulosin.

Before taking tamsulosin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfa drugs. You may also be allergic to tamsulosin.

If you will be having cataract surgery, tell the surgeon that you are taking tamsulosin.

Stop using tamsulosin and call your doctor at once if you have severe light-headness or fainting, or if you have an erection of your penis that is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours.

What is tamsulosin?

Tamsulosin is in a group of drugs called alpha-adrenergic (ad-re-NER-jik) blockers. Tamsulosin relaxes your veins and arteries so that blood can more easily pass through them. It also relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.

Tamsulosin is used to improve urination in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).

Tamsulosin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tamsulosin?

Before taking tamsulosin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfa drugs. You may also be allergic to tamsulosin.

If you will be having cataract surgery, tell the surgeon that you are taking tamsulosin.

Although tamsulosin should not be used by women, this drug is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby.

How should I take tamsulosin?

Take tamsulosin exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not use more of the medication than recommended. Do not take tamsulosin for longer than your doctor has prescribed.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Swallow the tamsulosin capsule whole. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsule.

Tamsulosin is usually taken once a day, approximately 30 minutes after a meal. Try to take this medication at the same time each day.

If tamsulosin makes you dizzy, taking it after your evening meal may be helpful.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your doctor will need to check you on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

If you miss your doses for several days in a row, contact your doctor before restarting the medication. You may need a lower dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a tamsulosin overdose may include severe light-headedness or fainting; a fast pulse; or cold, clammy skin.

What should I avoid while taking tamsulosin?

Tamsulosin can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

You may feel dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying position. Avoid standing up too quickly to keep from falling.

Avoid the use of alcohol, which may increase dizziness caused by tamsulosin.

What are the possible side effects of tamsulosin?

Stop using tamsulosin and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using tamsulosin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer;
severe dizziness; or
fainting.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue using tamsulosin and talk with your doctor if you have any of these side effects:

mild dizziness or drowsiness;
sleep problems (insomnia);
abnormal ejaculation, decreased sex drive; or
runny or stuffy nose.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect tamsulosin?

Before taking tamsulosin, tell your doctor if you use any of the following medicines:

cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB); or
warfarin (Coumadin).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to take tamsulosin, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect tamsulosin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about tamsulosin written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Tamsulosin is available with a prescription under the brand name Flomax. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Flomax 0.4 mg--green/orange capsules

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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