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:: Overview :: Precautions :: Side Effects Search results last updated: 9/17/2008

Generic & Brand Name : Source: (MedicineNet)

Brand Name : Flomax
Generic Name : tamsulosin

Overview (Source: MedicineNet)
Tamsulosin is a drug for the treatment of men who are having difficulty urinating because of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In men, the tube which carries urine from the bladder to the penis (called the urethra) travels through the prostate gland. As men get older, the prostate gland enlarges, and the muscle cells within the prostate gland and the neck of the bladder (which control the flow of urine) tighten. The combination of enlargement and tightening of muscles compresses the urethra and obstructs the flow of urine. This results in difficulty urinating and retention of urine within the bladder. The tightening or contraction of the muscle cells is controlled by nerves. One type of nerve, the alpha adrenergic nerves, cause the muscle cells to tighten by releasing a chemical related to epinephrine (adrenalin). Tamsulosin blocks the effects of this chemical on the muscle cells and causes the muscles to relax. This results in a decrease in obstruction to the flow of urine. There are other drugs which block alpha adrenergic nerves throughout the body and which are used in treating diseases of the heart, blood vessels, and prostate for example, prazosin (Minipress), terazosin (Hytrin), doxazosin (Cardura), and alfuzosin (Uroxatral). Tamsulosin is more active against the alpha adrenergic nerves of the prostate and bladder neck than these other drugs and has a lesser effect on alpha adrenergic nerves elsewhere in the body. For this reason, tamsulosin causes fewer side effects ...
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DrugDigestWhat is/are Tamsulosin?
MedLinePlusWhy is this medication prescribed?
DrugInfoOnlinetamsulosin

Precautions (Source: MedLinePlus)
Before taking tamsulosin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tamsulosin, sulfa medications, or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: other alpha blocker medications such as alfuzosin (Uroxatral), doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), and terazosin (Hytrin); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); cimetidine (Tagamet); and medications for erectile dysfunction (ED) such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra); Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you more carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had prostate cancer or liver or kidney disease. you should know that tamsulosin is only for use in men. Women should not take tamsulosin, especially if they are pregnant or could become pregnant or are breast-feeding. If a pregnant woman takes tamsulosin, she should call her doctor. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking tamsulosin. If you need to have eye surgery at any time during or after your treatment, be sure to tell your doctor that you are taking or have taken tamsulosin. you should know that this medication may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive a car, operate machinery, ...
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Side Effects (Source: MedLinePlus)
Tamsulosin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms or those in the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section are severe or do not go away: sleepiness; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; weakness; back pain; diarrhea; runny or stuffy nose; pain or pressure in the face; sore throat, cough, fever, chills, or other signs of infection; blurred vision; difficulty ejaculating. Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: painful erection of the penis that lasts for hours; rash; itching; hives; swelling of the eyes, face, tongue, lips, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs. ...
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DrugDigest What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
DrugInfoOnline tamsulosin

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