tamsulosin capsule – oral, Flomax

Medication Uses How To Use Side Effects Precautions Drug Interactions Overdose Notes Missed Dose Storage USES: This medication is used in men to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia-BPH). Tamsulosin is an alpha-blocker that relaxes muscles in the bladder and prostate. Relieving these muscles helps to alleviate BPH symptoms such as difficulty starting urination, weak stream, and frequent or urgent urination (including at night). It should not be used to treat high blood pressure.OTHER This section includes uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling but may be prescribed by your healthcare professional. Use this drug for a condition listed in this section only if prescribed by your healthcare professional. Tamsulosin may also be used to help pass kidney stones through urination and to treat bladder problems in women. HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet from your pharmacist before starting this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily, 30 minutes after the same meal every day. Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit. Take it at the same time each day to help remember. If you have not taken this drug for several days, contact your doctor to see if you need to start at a lower dose. It may take up to 4 weeks to notice an improvement in symptoms. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks or if they worsen. SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, runny/stuffy nose, or ejaculation problems may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if you experience fainting. Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. If this occurs, stop using this drug and seek medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur.A serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. Get medical help right away if you notice symptoms such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking tamsulosin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can safely perform such activities. Limit alcoholic beverages.To reduce the risk of dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, get up slowly from a sitting or lying position, especially when you first start taking this drug or if your doctor changes your dose. If dizziness occurs, sit or lie down until you feel better. Also, avoid situations where you may be injured if you faint.Before surgery (including cataract eye surgery), inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication and about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly needed. Before using tamsulosin, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if tamsulosin passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.Some products that may interact with this drug include other alpha-blockers, drugs for erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension, and certain antibiotics or HIV medications.Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness, including alcohol, antihistamines, sleep or anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers.Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

QUESTION

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include severe dizziness and fainting. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details on how to safely discard your product. Information last revised January 2014. Copyright(c) 2014 First Databank, Inc.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. It is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet, or starting or discontinuing any course of treatment.