How Flomax works and its Side-Effects

FLOMAX is the brand name of tamsulosin hydrochloride, which is used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men only. BPH is a condition in which the prostate gland is enlarged and therefore partially obstructs the outflow of urine in men.

How it acts : When the prostate gland is enlarged, the muscle surrounding it becomes stiff. Flomax relaxes the stiffened muscle; as a result, the difficulty in urination is reduced. Flomax is palliative in its action, i.e., it provides relief but does not cure.

An alpha-blocker, Flomax is safer than other drugs in the alpha-blocker group -- such as doxazosin and terazosin -- because it not have apoptotic effects on the prostate glands. Apoptotic effect is one that causes death of cells in multicellular organs and organisms. In other words, Flomax does not cause any permanent damage to the prostate gland if taken in the recommended dose.

Availability and dosage : Flomax is available in the form of capsules for oral administration. Dosage varies from patient to patient, and is at the doctor's discretion. Usually, for non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate in adults, the dosage usually is 0.5mg one a day to start with, about half-an-hour after the same meal every day. The doctor may increase the dose if he deems appropriate on the basis of the severity of the problem.

Side-effects : As with all drugs, Flomax too can have its side-effects, especially if taken in excess. Common side-effects include:

• premature ejaculation.
• pain in the back and chest.
• cough, cold, and sinusitis.
• gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea and cramps.
• vomit sensation.
• sore throat.
• drowsiness.
• general weakness.

The above side-effects are temporary and disappear when treatment stops or the patient's physiology gets accustomed to the drug. However, if the side-effects worsen with time or are beyond reasonable tolerable levels, the doctor should be consulted.

Drug-drug interactions : Flomax causes drug-drug interactions with sulfa drugs. Also, patients taking Flomax are vulnerable to the floppy iris syndrome, which is a complication during cataract surgery. Therefore, if anyone on Flomax treatment having to undergo cataract surgery should inform the surgeon well in advance so that alternative techniques can be used to reduce its adverse effects.