Flomax is the brand name for tamsulosin hydrochloride, which is a medication used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy, or enlargement of the prostate gland. The therapeutic action of Flomax is as a smooth muscle relaxant for the bladder outlet and the prostate gland; relaxation of the prostate decreases obstruction of the bladder outlet, allowing easier emptying of the bladder. Flomax side effects may affect several body systems; however, severe adverse reactions are rare.
Postural Hypotension
Billie Ann Wilson, Ph.D., Margaret Shannon, Ph.D., and Kelly Shields Pharm.D., authors of "Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2010", warn that postural hypotension, also called orthostatic hypotension, is a common Flomax side effect. Postural hypotension is low blood pressure that occurs with position changes. The incidence of this adverse reaction is common and dose related, up to 19 percent of double-blind medication study participants, as reported by the National Institute of Health.
Educating patients to make position changes slowly can help minimize hypotension. A person taking Flomax should also take his blood pressure regularly and report to a doctor if a decrease of more than 20 percent of normal blood pressure occurs. Similarly, any side effects of dizziness or fainting need to be reported to a doctor as Flomax may need to be stopped.
Priapism
The NIH reports that priapism is a rare side effect, but it is a serious one. Priapism is an abnormally painful and continued penile erection that occurs unrelated to sexual desire. If left untreated, priapism can cause permanent impotence. Patients should seek medical care if priapism occurs.
Headache
Headache is another common Flomax side effect. The incidence of this adverse reaction was reported by the NIH to be as high as 19 percent of clinical trial subjects. Unrelieved headache should be reported to the prescribing physician. Headache can be significant enough to cause some people to discontinue use of Flomax.
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, or inflammation of the nasal passages, leads to problems with nasal congestion, runny nose and general head cold type symptoms. Up to 13 percent of clinical trial subjects reported experiencing this adverse reaction. If these symptoms become intolerable, inform your physician.
Diarrhea
Gastrointestinal upset in the form of diarrhea is reported by about 6 percent of patients taking Flomax. Nausea may also be experienced. Flomax comes as a capsule and should be swallowed whole about 30 minutes after your morning meal. It is advised to take Flomax at the same time every day. If diarrhea becomes too intolerable, report the symptom to your doctor. The Flomax dose may need to be adjusted or stopped altogether.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Flomax (tamsulosin hydrochloride) capsule
- "Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2010"; Wilson, B. A., Shannon, T. M., & Shields, K. M.; 2010
Member Comments