Flomax

What is Flomax?
Flomax (Tamsulosin) is a drug for men, created to resolve several health issues connected with urination. It is a representative of the class of drugs known as alpha blockers, which are known for their function of blocking responses from alpha-adrenergic receptors. It was first sold in the U.S. in 1996, and eventually became a best-selling product all over the world, under license by companies like Boehringer-Ingelheim and CSL. Flomax’s mechanism of action is pretty straightforward. After being ingested, the drug’s active substance spreads though the body and blocks alpha receptors in the prostate and bladder neck. Once this happens, the smooth muscle in the affected areas relaxes, which eases the flow of urine by eliminating resistance.

What are the indications for using Flomax?
Flomax is prescribed to treat urination problems connected with an enlarged prostate. The most common issue of this type is benign prostatic hyperplasia. Most of the time, this is a hormonal issue connected with the imbalance of androgens in the male body, though it’s also something that usually occurs with age. Men over 70 are especially at risk of it occurring. This condition begins with stromal and epithelial cells in the prostate swelling, eventually forming significant nodules which lodge in the urethra and limit urine flow. Symptoms of this hyperplasia include increased urination, hesitancy, and retention.

What is the dosage of Flomax?
Flomax typically comes in 0.4 mg capsules, which should be taken orally once a day. After the drug has been prescribed and bought, the patient should take it once a day in increments of 0.4 mg (one capsule). It is important that the drug be taken about half an hour after a meal, and that the time of administration and the meal coincide in every day of treatment. In most cases, the efficiency of the drug can be observed within two weeks of treatment, but if there is no effect after 4 weeks, the patient can increase the daily dosage up to 0.8 mg (two capsules). If treatment is interrupted during the second stage, the patients should start anew with the 0.4 mg dose. Flomax should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place.

What are the contraindications for using Flomax?
Basically, Flomax is only compatible for adult men, and should not be taken by anyone else, as well as anyone allergic to its active ingredients. Flomax should not be taken with other alpha-blockers, ED drugs, azole antifungals, and several other types.

What are the adverse effects of Flomax?
Cough, fever, chest pain, chills, and dizziness have been found to be the most common side effects.