Flomax: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Tamsulosin, also known as Flomax, is a medication used to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia-BPH) such as: Difficulty urinating, frequent urination, urine stream feebleness. The drug is prepared in the form of tablets or capsules and is taken orally.

1. What are the effects of Flomax?

The drug flomax works to improve urination in men, supporting the treatment of symptoms of prostate enlargement. With the mechanism of relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder. Thereby reducing the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia such as difficulty urinating, weak urine stream and frequent urination (especially at night) and makes urinating easier. Flomax is an alpha blocker drug. Therefore, do not use this medicine to treat high blood pressure.

2. How to use Flomax

Read the instructions for use from the pharmacist carefully before starting flomax and before each dose again. If you have any questions or concerns about the medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.
Tamsulosin is to be taken by mouth as directed by your doctor. The drug should be taken 30 minutes after a meal and taken once a day. When taking orally, the tablet should be swallowed whole, do not crush, chew or open the capsule.
Dosage of flomax is based on the patient's medical condition and response to treatment.
If an overdose of tamsulosin is used, there is a risk of a sudden drop in blood pressure, dizziness or fainting. This risk is higher when the patient first starts using flomax or after the doctor increases the dose or restarts treatment after a period of discontinuation.
Use tamsulosin at the correct dose prescribed by your doctor to achieve the desired results. Do not forget to take the medicine at the same time each day for the best effect.
If the patient stops taking the medication for several days, contact the doctor for advice on whether to start the medication again.
It takes up to 4 weeks for the medicine to work and to improve symptoms. See your doctor if your condition does not improve or gets worse.

3. Side effects of drugs

During the use of tamsulosin, if you experience symptoms such as: Dizziness, low blood pressure, dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, runny nose, stuffy nose, abnormal ejaculation, decreased semen, decreased libido want sex. Or if you have any other unwanted effects and are more serious, call your doctor right away or go to the nearest medical center for a solution.
To minimize the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly, to stabilize your body. Avoid sitting or getting up too quickly from a sitting or lying position.
Immediately notify your doctor if you experience any serious side effects, stop using the drug and immediately go to the nearest medical facility when experiencing the following symptoms:
Fainting Painful or erect penis lasts more than 4 hours. Rarely, men may experience pain or an erection lasting 4 hours or more. Serious allergic reactions to this medicine are very rare and include: Fever, sore throat, swelling in the face or tongue, burning in the eyes, rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. The above is not a complete list of possible side effects when using flomax. If you notice any other unwanted side effects, which are not listed above, contact your doctor, pharmacist or go to the nearest medical center immediately for solutions.

4. Be careful when taking medicine

Before taking tamsulosin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or have other allergies. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical history of: Low blood pressure, liver failure, kidney failure, a history of prostate cancer or eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma). pressure ).
Flomax can cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you first start taking it or start taking it again after some time off. If this gets worse, call your doctor right away. Care should be taken in activities that require concentration such as driving or operating machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer, stimulants. Inform your doctor if you are using the above stimulants. If you are taking other medications (including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbs and supplements) you must tell your doctor.
The drug flomax can affect the pupil during cataract surgery in the eye. Therefore, before having eye surgery, tell your doctor that you are using flomax.
Older people may be more sensitive to the side effects of flomax and experience symptoms such as dizziness and low blood pressure. These symptoms can increase your risk of falling.
During pregnancy or lactation, tamsulosin should only be used as prescribed by your doctor. Doctors will advise on certain risks and benefits of taking the drug.
Flomax can be absorbed through the skin and harm the unborn baby. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not take this medicine. You should consult your doctor before taking any medication during this period.

5. Interactions with the drug flomax

Flomax drug interactions can affect how other drugs work or increase the risk of serious side effects. So tell your doctor what drugs (including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal medicines...) and foods you are taking. To ensure safety when taking the drug, patients should not stop or change the dose of tamsulosin on their own without the consent of the doctor.
Some drugs that may interact with this drug include: prazosin, terazosin, alfuzosin, doxazosin or silodosin. If you are taking medication to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) or treat pulmonary hypertension (such as sildenafil, tadalafil), your blood pressure may drop, leading to dizziness or fainting. Your doctor will need to adjust your dose to minimize this risk.
Other drugs that may affect the activity and effects of tamsulosin include azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), boceprevir, clarithromycin, cobicistat, HIV protease inhibitors (such as lopinavir, ritonavir), ribociclib .

6. Some notes when using drugs

Do not share tamsulosin with other people. Periodic prostate examination, regular blood pressure measurement to detect abnormalities, thereby helping doctors have the best treatment solution.
What to do if you miss a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the same time the next day. Do not double the prescribed dose to avoid unwanted effects.
Store tamsulosin medicine
Store tamsulosin in a dry place, store at room temperature, avoid direct sunlight on the product. Do not leave medicine in the bathroom, in the freezer compartment. The medicine should be kept in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets.
Do not throw medicine down the toilet or down the drain unless asked to do so. Dispose of medication properly when it is past its expiration date or cannot be used. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company on how to properly and safely dispose of medications.

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Reference source: Webmd.com