Flomax (tamsulosin) is an alpha-blocker that relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.

Flomax is used to improve urination in men with an enlarged prostate.

Flomax is not approved for use in women or children

You should not use Flomax if you are allergic to tamsulosin. Do not take tamsulosin with other similar medicines such as alfuzosin (Uroxatral), doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), silodosin (Rapaflo), or terazosin (Hytrin).

Take Flomax exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

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

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

Flomax lowers blood pressure and may cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you first start taking it, or when you start taking it again. Call your doctor if you have severe dizziness or feel like you might pass out.

Some things can cause your blood pressure to get too low. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting may occur after you take this medicine, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help lessen this problem. If you feel dizzy, lie down so you do not faint. Then sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness from returning.

Because tamsulosin may cause some people to become dizzy or feel faint, make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or not alert.

This medicine may rarely cause a severe allergic reaction (swelling of face, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, and blistering of the skin. Check with your doctor immediately if this occurs.

Common Flomax side effects may include:

- Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness;

- Nausea, diarrhea;

- Headache, chest pain;

- Abnormal ejaculation, decreased amount of semen;

- Back pain;

- Blurred vision;

- Tooth problems;

- Fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

- Runny or stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat, cough;

- Sleep problems (insomnia); or

- Decreased interest in sex.

What is this medicine?

Tamsulosin is an alpha-blocker. It is used to treat the signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate in men. This condition is also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you stop taking your medicine for several days or more, ask your doctor or health care professional what dose you should start back on.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.