Tamsulosin (tam-SOO-loe-sin)

Treats problems with urination caused by an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). This medicine is an alpha-blocker.

Brand Name(s):

Flomax

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine 30 minutes after a meal. Take the medicine at the same time every day.
• Swallow the capsule whole. Do not break, crush, chew, or open it.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Tamsulosin should not be taken with other alpha blocker medicines such as prazosin (Minipress®, Minizide®), terazosin (Hytrin®), or doxazosin (Cardura®).
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using an H2 blocker such as cimetidine (Tagamet®), or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease, liver disease, prostate cancer, low blood pressure, or if you have an allergy to sulfa drugs such as sulfamethoxazole or sulfasoxazole.
• Make sure any doctor or ophthalmologist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having cataract surgery or medical tests.
• This medicine is usually given only to men. It is not normally given to women or children.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Chest pain.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Lightheadedness, or fainting.
• Painful, prolonged erection of the penis not caused by sexual arousal.
• Severe headache.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision.
• Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Problems with ejaculation.
• Tiredness or weakness.