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What is Flomax
 Flomax
is in a class of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers. Flomax
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.
Flomax
is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).
Flomax
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Flomax
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Flomax 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.
What you should find out before taking
Flomax
Before taking Flomax, tell your doctor if you have
any other medical conditions or if you take any other medications.
You may not be able to take Flomax, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
Flomax is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means
that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby.
However, Flomax is not indicated for use by women and should
not be taken by women.
It is not known whether Flomax
could be harmful to a nursing baby. However, Flomax is not
indicated for use by women and should not be taken by women.
How should take Flomax Take Flomax exactly as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass of water.
Do not crush, chew,
or open the capsules. Swallow them whole.
Flomax
is usually taken once a day, approximately one-half hour
after the same meal each day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
If dizziness occurs, taking Flomax after the evening
meal may be helpful.
It is important to take Flomax
regularly to get the most benefit.
If treatment with
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 Flomax to monitor progress and side effects.
Store this medication at room temperature away from
moisture and heat.
If you 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 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.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is
suspected.
Symptoms of a Flomax overdose include
weakness; dizziness; fainting; a weak, fast pulse; cold,
clammy skin; and, possibly, loss of consciousness or coma.
Avoid while taking Flomax Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Flomax 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.
Possible side effects of Flomax If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Flomax and seek emergency medical attention
or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling
of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- a prolonged
(4 hours or more) or painful erection;
- severe dizziness;
or
- fainting.
Other, less serious side effects
may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Flomax and
notify your doctor if you experience
- mild dizziness
or drowsiness,
- weakness,
- double vision,
- abnormal ejaculation, or
- changes in libido.
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 Flomax Before taking Flomax, talk to your doctor if you
are taking any of the following medicines:
- terazosin
(Hytrin),
- prazosin (Minipress),
- doxazosin
(Cardura),
- cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB), or
- warfarin (Coumadin).
You may not be able
to take 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.
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