TAMSULOSIN
TAMSULOSIN (tam-SOO-loe-sin)
Other Names for this Medication (Brand names): Flomax, Harnal, Omnic, Pradif, Tamsolusin, Tamsulosina [INN-Spanish], Tamsulosine [INN-French], Tamsulosinum [INN-Latin]
Appearance
Half orange-yellow and tan capsule marked with “FLOMAX 0.4 mg” on the orange side and “BI 58″ on the tan side.
Why this Medication is Used
Tamsulosin is used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH (enlargement of the prostate gland) by relaxing muscles in the prostate and bladder, resulting in improved urine flow and reduced BPH symptoms.
How do you take this Medication
The usual dose is 0.4 mg once per day but this may be adjusted by your doctor to 0.8 mg per day depending on the patient and/or severity of the symptoms of BPH. Tamsulosin may be taken 30 minutes following the same meal every day. If you interrupt your treatment for several days or more, resume treatment at one capsule/day, after consulting your doctor.
Precautions
• Make sure to schedule regular check-ups with your doctor while taking tamsulosin.
• Do not crush, chew or open capsules of tamsulosin, as the capsules are specially made to regulate the release of tamsulosin into the blood stream.
• Avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery for 12 hours after the initial or any increase in dose until you know how this medication will affect you.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications: Blood pressure lowering agents, Cimetidine and Warfarin.
• Store in a cool dry place at room temperature. Keep out of reach of children.
For more information on this medication, please call your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
| SIDE EFFECTS | PREVENTION | WHAT YOU SHOULD DO |
| MORE COMMON | ||
| • Dizziness, sleepiness
• Abnormal ejaculation • Runny nose, cough |
• Avoid sudden changes in posture.
• Take medication at bedtime (or after dinner). |
• These effects should diminish over time.
• Contact your doctor if the symptoms continue to bother you. • Contact your doctor if the symptoms continue to bother you. |
| LESS COMMON | ||
| • Insomnia | • Contact your doctor if the symptoms continue to bother you. | |
| RARE | ||
| • Flu symptoms, chills, neck pain | • STOP taking the medication and contact your doctor IMMEDIATELY. | |
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