Brand Names: Flomax

Generic Name: tamsulosin (Pronunciation: tam soo LOE sin)

• What is tamsulosin (Flomax)?
• What are the possible side effects of tamsulosin (Flomax)?
• What is the most important information I should know about tamsulosin (Flomax)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tamsulosin (Flomax)?
• How should I take tamsulosin (Flomax)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Flomax)?
• What happens if I overdose (Flomax)?
• What should I avoid while taking tamsulosin (Flomax)?
• What other drugs will affect tamsulosin (Flomax)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is tamsulosin (Flomax)?

Tamsulosin is in a group of drugs called alpha-adrenergic (AL-fa ad-ren-ER-jik) blockers. Tamsulosin relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.

Tamsulosin is used to improve urination in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).

Tamsulosin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Flomax 0.4 mg

green/orange, imprinted with Flomax 0.4 mg, BI 58

Tamsulosin 0.4 mg-TEV

oblong, brown/white, imprinted with 93 7338

What are the possible side effects of tamsulosin (Flomax)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using tamsulosin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• feeling like you might pass out;
• chest pain;
• fever, chills, body aches, or flu symptoms; or
• penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild dizziness;
• weakness, drowsiness;
• headache;
• nausea, diarrhea;
• back pain;
• blurred vision;
• dental problems;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• abnormal ejaculation, decreased sex drive; or
• runny nose, sore throat, cough.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Flomax (tamsulosin hydrochloride) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about tamsulosin (Flomax)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to tamsulosin. Do not take tamsulosin with other similar medicines such as alfuzosin (Uroxatral), doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), silodosin (Rapaflo), or terazosin (Hytrin).

Tamsulosin may cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you first start taking it or when you start taking it again. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid standing for long periods of time or becoming overheated during exercise and in hot weather. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

If you stop taking tamsulosin for any reason, call your doctor before you start taking it again. You may need a dose adjustment.

Tamsulosin can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Tell your eye surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medication. Do not stop using tamsulosin before surgery unless your surgeon tells you to.