Tamsulosin (By Mouth)

Tamsulosin (tam-SOO-loe-sin)

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

Brand Name(s):

Flomax
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to tamsulosin or to similar medicines such as prazosin (Minipress®, Minizide®), terazosin (Hytrin®), or doxazosin (Cardura®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take 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.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

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

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine 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• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

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

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine is given only to men. It should not be 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 face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Lightheadedness or fainting

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

• Drowsiness, tiredness
• Headache
• Runny nose, sore throat
• Problems with ejaculation

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.