What is Flomax?
Flomax (tamsulosin) is a prescription medication for the treatment of uncomfortable symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. Flomax is an alpha blocker which means that this drug blocks alpha-1 receptors throughout the body. This relaxes the bladder and prostate muscles. Flomax (Tamsulosin) provides relief from frequent urination, a weak urine stream with starts and stops in flow and incomplete emptying of the bladder.
Flomax is provided in 0.4 mg capsules. Dosage typically starts at one 0.4 mg capsule and may be increased to two capsules for a total of 0.8 mg daily. Patients cannot start at the 0.8mg dosage, even if they have taken the drug previously at that level. It is always advisable to gradually build up to it.
Flomax Uses
Flomax (tamsulosin) is used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This is the medical term for an enlarged prostate. Flomax does not cure BPH or shrink the prostate. Rather, it provides relief from the symptoms of this condition. Flomax must be taken continuously to treat the problem as symptoms will return when the medication is stopped.
Tamsulosin may also be used off-label to treat urinary problems in women, kidney stones and urinary problems in relation to prostate cancer and multiple sclerosis.
