Why is Flomax prescribed?

Tamsulosin (Flomax) is used to treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Flomax is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Flomax information.

How should Flomax be used?

Tamsulosin (Flomax) comes as a capsule to take by mouth. Flomax usually is taken once a day. Flomax should be taken 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Do not crush, chew, or open capsules of tamsulosin (Flomax). Follow the Flomax directions on your Flomax prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tamsulosin (Flomax) exactly as directed. Do not take more or less Flomax or take Flomax more often than prescribed by your doctor.

What special Flomax precautions should I follow?

Before taking tamsulosin (Flomax),

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tamsulosin (Flomax) or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin), cimetidine (Tagamet), doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), terazosin (Hytrin), and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking tamsulosin (Flomax), call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking tamsulosin (Flomax).
• you should know that Flomax may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how Flomax affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by Flomax.

What should I do if I forget a Flomax dose?

Take the missed Flomax dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Flomax dose, skip the missed Flomax dose and continue your regular Flomax dosing schedule. Do not take a double Flomax dose to make up for a missed one. If you interrupt your Flomax treatment for several days or more, call your doctor before restarting Flomax, especially if you take more than one Flomax capsule a day.

What side effects can Flomax cause?

Although side effects from tamsulosin (Flomax) are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these Flomax symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness
• sleepiness
• runny nose
• sexual dysfunction (difficulty ejaculating)

If you experience the following Flomax symptom, call your doctor immediately:

• painful erection of the penis that lasts for hours

What storage conditions are needed for Flomax?

Keep Flomax in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Flomax at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Flomax that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Flomax.

In case of Flomax emergency/overdose

In case of Flomax overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other Flomax information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Do not let anyone else take your Flomax. Ask your pharmacist any Flomax questions you have about refilling your Flomax prescription.