Tamsulosin - TheGIConnection

Class: Other

Generic Name: Tamsulosin

Trade Names: Flomax®

How is this drug used? Flomax is used to treat the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Flomax is a type of drug known as an alpha-blocker.

What is the mechanism of action? In the treatment of BPH, Flomax relaxes a type of muscle in the prostate and at the opening of the bladder. This may improve urine flow and/or decrease BPH symptoms.

How is Flomax given (administered)? Flomax is taken orally (by mouth).

How are patients monitored? Patients will usually have scheduled meetings with their healthcare provider while they are being treated with Flomax. Patients may also undergo physical examinations, blood tests, or other measures to assess side effects and response to therapy. Patients may be screened for prostate cancer prior to treatment with Flomax and periodically thereafter.

What are common side effects of treatment with Flomax?

Runny nose
Dizziness
Decreased semen

What are some of the potentially serious side effects of treatment with Flomax?

Decreased blood pressure when changing positions or standing. This may cause dizziness, fainting, or light-headedness.
Serious allergic reactions
Eye problems during cataract surgery
A prolonged, painful erection

This is not a complete list of side effects. Some patients may experience other side effects that are not listed here. Patients may wish to discuss with their physician the other less common side effects of this drug, some of which may be serious.

Some side effects may require medical attention. Other side effects do not require medical attention and may go away during treatment. Patients should check with their physician about any side effects that continue or are bothersome.

What can patients do to help alleviate or prevent discomfort and side effects?

Pay careful attention to the physician’s instructions, and discuss side effects with your physician.
Because of the risk of fainting or dizziness, get up slowly from a bed or chair until you learn how Flomax affects you. Avoid driving and hazardous activities until you’re used to Flomax.
Tell your doctor if you forget to take Flomax for several days. You may need to restart at a lower dose.

Are there any special precautions patients should be aware of before starting treatment?

Patients should inform their physician about all medical conditions, including allergies, kidney or liver problems, history of low blood pressure, or plans to have cataract surgery.
Patients should inform their physician of any other medication or supplement they are taking (whether prescription or over-the-counter), including blood pressure medicines.
If patients need to have eye surgery for cataracts, they should tell their eye doctor that they are taking Flomax.
Flomax is not for women or children.

When should patients notify their physician?

Tell your doctor if you experience any side effects that bother you or don’t go away. Also seek immediate care if you notice signs of an allergic reaction (such as rash; itching; hives; swelling of the face, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing; or blistering of the skin), or a prolonged, abnormal erection.

What is a package insert? 

A package insert is required by the FDA and contains a summary of the essential scientific information needed for the safe and effective use of the drug for healthcare providers and consumers. A package insert typically includes information regarding specific indications, administration schedules, dosing, side effects, contraindications, results from some clinical trials, chemical structure, pharmacokinetics and metabolism of the specific drug. By carefully reviewing the package insert, you will get the most complete and current information about how to safely use this drug. If you do not have the package insert for the drug you are using, your pharmacist or physician may be able to provide you with a copy.

Important Limitations of Use

The information provided above on the drug you have selected is provided for your information only and is not a substitute for consultation with an appropriate medical doctor. We are providing this information solely as a courtesy and, as such, it is in no way a recommendation as to the safety, efficacy or appropriateness of any particular drug, regimen, dosing schedule for any particular cancer, condition or patient nor is it in any way to be considered medical advice. Patients should discuss the appropriateness of a particular drug or chemotherapy regimen with their physician.

As with any printed reference, the use of particular drugs, regimens and drug dosages may become out-of-date over time, since new information may have been published and become generally accepted after the latest update to this printed information. Please keep in mind that health care professionals are fully responsible for practicing within current standards, avoiding use of outdated regimens, employing good clinical judgment in selecting drugs and/or regimens, in calculating doses for individual patients, and verifying all dosage calculations.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

CANCERCONSULTANTS.COM SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS AND EXCLUDES ALL EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES AS TO QUALITY, ACCURACY (INCLUDING TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS), MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. CANCERCONSULTANTS.COM DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY OR DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY USE OF THE INFORMATION.

The prescribing physician is solely responsible for making all decisions relating to appropriate patient care including, but not limited to, drugs, regimens, dose, schedule, and any supportive care.

Tags: Drug Dictionary, Miscellaneous, Other, T