Possible Side Effects Of Flomax

Flomax is a prescription medication with the generic name tamsulosin hydrochloride. It is indicated for the treatment of an enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This medicine works to reduce the urinary symptoms of BPH, such as urgency, frequent voiding, a weak stream and having to strain to void. It is available as a 40-mg oral capsule, which is usually taken 30 minutes after a meal, at the same time each day. Some patients are ordered to take two capsules at once if one capsule is not effective.

Low Blood Pressure During Standing

This medicine can cause blood pressure to fall when you stand abruptly. The odds this will happen are higher when you first begin taking it. You may feel dizzy or overly sleepy. It may help to stand slowly, holding on to a sturdy piece of furniture. Once you feel stable, begin walking slowly. Do not try to drive or operate machinery when you feel dizzy or unsteady, as you could possibly faint. Some patients have headaches, blurry vision or trouble sleeping when taking tamsulosin.

Nausea

The drug manufacturer reports nausea as a common side effect of Flomax. This may be accompanied by indigestion. If you experience nausea, you should try to eat smaller meals and have four or five small meals each day.

Sexual Problems

Flomax can cause priapism, a condition in which you have a painful erection that lasts for more than four hours. This requires immediate treatment to avoid a permant injury. Other possible side effects include changes related to ejaculation and a decrease in sexual interest.

Infection and Pain

Flomax can cause a variety of side effects related to infection and pain. These include sore throat, runny nose, weakness, cough, sinus inflammation, chest pain, back pain, tooth problems and infections in different areas of the body. As with all side effects, report these to your physician for guidance.

Eye Problem

A common side effect of Flomax is intraoperative floppy iris syndrome. This occurs during cataract surgery and, according to the drug manufacturer, can happen even if you stop taking the drug for several weeks prior to surgery. In this condition, the iris, or the colored part of the eye, does not respond normally during the procedure. The ophthalmologist needs to know you are taking this medicine prior to surgery. She can then modify her surgical technique or have appropriate equipment available if needed.

Considerations

"2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide" reports this drug must be swallowed whole. Men should not take this medication without prescription, as they must be checked to determine their symptoms are not caused by prostate cancer prior to taking it.