Flomax is a prescription medication used for the relief of symptoms cause by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which is situated just beneath and encircles the neck of the urinary bladder. Prostate enlargement can cause urinary symptoms that interfere with daily life including frequency, urgency and incontinence. Flomax--also know by its generic name tamsulosin--relieves urinary symptoms by causing relaxation of the muscle tissue in the prostate. This allows increased flow from the bladder during urination. Tamsulosin can cause adverse reactions including sexual, circulatory and eye-related side effects.
Priapism
Tamsulosin may cause priapism--a penile erection not related to sexual stimulation that persists for more than 4 hours. With this painful condition, blood is trapped in the penis. Normal blood supply decreases and permanent damage can occur without treatment. Prompt medical attention is necessary to preserve sexual function.
Abnormal Ejaculation
Tamsulosin may cause ejaculation problems. The prostate produces fluid that is ejected by contractions of the gland during orgasm. Because tamsulosin blocks muscular contraction of the prostate, ejaculation abnormalities can occur. Semen amounts may be decreased or absent. In some cases, the semen may flow into the urinary bladder--a condition known as retrograde ejaculation.
Disturbances of Sexual Desire and Performance
Some men taking tamsulosin have reported decreased interest in sexual activity. Other reported sexual side effects include inability to achieve an erection when desired; inability to maintain an erection; and loss of previous sexual performance capacity.
Postural Hypotension
Tamsulosin may cause episodic dips in blood pressure, particularly related to getting up to a standing position. Normally upon standing, muscle cells that line the arteries contract to increase blood pressure and maintain blood flow to the brain. Tamsulosin may interfere with this process causing a sudden decrease in brain blood flow on standing. This is called postural hypotension. Symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting. If you get dizzy or lightheaded upon standing, sit or lie down. This will restore blood flow to the brain.
Floppy Iris Syndrome
Tamulosin has been associated with a cataract surgery complication known as floppy iris syndrome. If you take tamsulosin (or have taken it in the past) and are having a cataract removed, be sure your eye doctor knows you have been on this medication. Knowing this complication may develop, your eye doctor can be prepared to handle whatever may arise during your procedure.
References
- Drugs.com: Flomax FDA Monograph
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Flomax Full Prescribing Information
- International Journal of Clinical Practice: A Meta-Analysis of the Vascular-Related Safety Profile and Efficacy of '-Adrenergic Blockers for Symptoms Related to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- Mayo Clinic: Tamsulosin Side Effects
- Medline Plus: Tamsulosin
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