Prostate Restored
Photo by John Diez Pexels Logo Photo: John Diez

How long does it take for Flowmax to work?

Response and effectiveness. Peak concentrations are reached within four to five hours when taken on an empty stomach or within six to seven hours when taken with food. May take up to five days before the full effects of Flomax on urine flow are achieved.

drugs.com - Flomax: 7 things you should know - Drugs.com
What is negative health?
What is negative health?

Negative definition of health and well – being is where an individual believes they have a good state of health and well- being because they have...

Read More »
Last updated Sep 30, 2022
How many inches is the average man's hand?
How many inches is the average man's hand?

7.6 inches The average length of an adult male's hand is 7.6 inches — measured from the tip of the longest finger to the crease under the palm. The...

Read More »
Last updated Feb 24, 2018

Flomax: 7 things you should know

Medically reviewed by Carmen Fookes, BPharm. Last updated on Feb 14, 2022.

1. How it works

Flomax is a brand (trade) name for tamsulosin.

Flomax (tamsulosin) works on alpha receptors to relax muscles in the neck of the bladder and the prostate. This improves urine flow and reduces the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Flomax belongs to the class of medicines known as alpha-blockers.

2. Upsides

Flomax may be used to improve urine flow in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also referred to as an enlarged prostate gland.

Flomax is taken just once daily.

Taken orally (by mouth)

No dosage adjustment is required in people with kidney disease; however, people with end-stage renal disease have not been studied.

Flomax is available as a generic under the name tamsulosin.

3. Downsides

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: A runny nose, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, and sexual dysfunction (decreased semen production, abnormal ejaculation). May cause orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when going from sitting to a standing position). This is more likely during Flomax initiation, or when increasing the dose. Vertigo and syncope (temporary loss of consciousness) may also occur. Rare cases of priapism (painful erections more than 4 hours in duration) have been reported. May not be suitable for people undergoing cataract or glaucoma surgery or in those with a sulfa allergy (although reactions have rarely been reported). May interact with several other medicines including ketoconazole and other strong inhibitors of hepatic enzymes CYP3A4 (avoid this combination), erythromycin, paroxetine, terbinafine, cimetidine, warfarin, PDE 5 inhibitors (such as sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil), and other alpha-adrenergic blocking agents.

Rarely, may cause a reaction in people with a sulfa allergy.

Flomax capsules are not intended to be used to lower blood pressure.

What naturally puts you to sleep?
What naturally puts you to sleep?

“Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally released in the brain four hours before we feel a sense of sleepiness,” Gamaldo says. It's triggered by...

Read More »
Last updated Jan 15, 2019
Is tuna healthier than salmon?
Is tuna healthier than salmon?

While they're both highly nutritious, salmon comes out ahead due to its healthy omega-3 fats and vitamin D. Meanwhile, tuna is the winner if you're...

Read More »
Last updated May 7, 2018
Imagine Your Moment Of Freedom!
Imagine Your Moment Of Freedom!

Fluxactive Complete is conveniently packed with over 14 essential prostate powerhouse herbs, vitamins and grade A nutrients which work synergistically to help you support a healthy prostate faster

Learn More »
Promotion

Note: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. View complete list of side effects

4. Bottom Line

Flomax restores urine flow in men with BPH but may cause a drop in blood pressure when going from a sitting to a standing position.

5. Tips

Take exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the dosage of Flomax without his or her advice.

Do not crush, chew, or open Flomax capsules.

Flomax may make you feel dizzy, especially when going from a lying down or sitting position to standing. Stand up slowly and not in an area where an injury is likely if you fall over. Remove any potential fall hazards (such as loose rugs) from your home. Talk to your doctor if you constantly experience dizziness when standing up. May cause dizziness and affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Flomax affects you. Alcohol may enhance dizziness. Since BPH and prostate cancer can coexist, talk to your doctor about screening for prostate cancer. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before you take any other medications with Flomax, including those bought over-the-counter, because some may not be compatible with Flomax. Talk to your doctor if you experience any worrying side effects from Flomax including a sustained erection of more than a few hours duration.

6. Response and effectiveness

Peak concentrations are reached within four to five hours when taken on an empty stomach or within six to seven hours when taken with food. May take up to five days before the full effects of Flomax on urine flow are achieved. Flomax is extensively metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 enzymes which means it can potentially interact with a number of other drugs.

What causes lack of zinc?
What causes lack of zinc?

However, there are three chief causes of an underlying zinc deficiency: not taking in enough zinc through one's diet. losing excess amounts of zinc...

Read More »
Last updated May 11, 2022
How long after death do you poop?
How long after death do you poop?

You May Poop and Pee Your Pants While rigor mortis sets in eventually, as soon as you die, every muscle in your body relaxes. That includes the...

Read More »
Last updated Feb 16, 2019

7. Interactions

Medicines that interact with Flomax may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Flomax. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed.

Common medications that may interact with Flomax include:

antibiotics such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, or doxycycline

antidepressants, such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, St John’s Wort, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline, imipramine, and nortriptyline)

antifungals, such as itraconazole and ketoconazole

antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine

beta-blockers such as atenolol or metoprolol

cyclosporine

CYP3A4 or CYP2D inducers or inhibitors

HIV medications such as ritonavir

imatinib

other alpha-blockers such as prazosin or terazosin

some medications used to treat mental illness, such as clozapine or thioridazine

some heart medications, such as amiodarone, clonidine, digoxin, diltiazem, propafenone, quinidine, and verapamil NSAIDs, such as diclofenac, ibuprofen, and indomethacin, may decrease the blood pressure-lowering capabilities of Flomax. Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with Flomax. You should refer to the prescribing information for Flomax for a complete list of interactions.

References

Flomax (tamsulosin) [Package Insert]. Revised 11/2021. Sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC https://www.drugs.com/pro/flomax.html

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Flomax only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Copyright 1996-2023 Drugs.com. Revision date: February 14, 2022.

Medical Disclaimer

drugs.com - Flomax: 7 things you should know - Drugs.com
What is the leading cause of tumors?
What is the leading cause of tumors?

Leading risk factors for preventable cancers are smoking, getting too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds, being...

Read More »
Last updated Mar 4, 2020
How does ashwagandha affect thyroid?
How does ashwagandha affect thyroid?

Ashwagandha appears to stimulate your endocrine system, boosting thyroid hormone levels by reducing cortisol ( 6 ). Jun 11, 2019

Read More »
Last updated Apr 15, 2019
Does waking up late lower testosterone?
Does waking up late lower testosterone?

Yes, it does. As part of our natural circadian rhythm, testosterone levels rise during sleep. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can cause a...

Read More »
Last updated Feb 23, 2019
Imagine Your Moment Of Freedom!
Imagine Your Moment Of Freedom!

Fluxactive Complete is conveniently packed with over 14 essential prostate powerhouse herbs, vitamins and grade A nutrients which work synergistically to help you support a healthy prostate faster

Learn More »
Promotion
Can a cystoscopy damage you?
Can a cystoscopy damage you?

There's also a risk your bladder could be damaged by the cystoscope, but this is rare. Speak to your doctor or nurse about the possible risks of...

Read More »
Last updated Aug 6, 2019