Flomax (tamsulosin)

SOURCE: www.NationalMSSociety

Description

Tamsulosin is generally used to treat the signs and symptoms of benign enlargement of the prostate. It helps to relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder, and is used to MS to promote the flow of urine.

Proper Usage

Swallow the capsules whole; do not crush, chew, or open them unless otherwise directed by your physician.

Precautions

Tamsulosin may cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint, especially when you get up from a sitting or lying position. While these effects are most likely to occur after the initial dose, they can happen at any time. You can reduce this problem by taking the medication at bedtime, but take special care if you need to get up in the middle of the night.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting are more likely to occur if you drink alcohol, stand for too long, or become overheated.

This medication can cause you to feel drowsy or less alert. Make sure you know how you react to this medication before driving.

Elderly individuals tend to be more sensitive to the effects of tamsulosin, and are therefore more likely to experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.

Pregnancy studies have not been done in humans. Women who are taking tamsulosin and wish to become pregnant should discuss it with their physician.

It is not known whether tamsulosin passes into the breast milk.

Be sure that your physician knows if you have any other medical problems, particularly angina (chest pain), severe heart disease, kidney disease.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects that typically go away as your body adjusts to the medication and do not require medical attention unless they continue for several weeks or are bothersome: abnormal ejaculation; back pain; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; stuffy nose; unusual weakness

Side effects that should be reported to your physician as soon as possible include: chest pain; dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position; drowsiness; nausea.