ORIGINAL USES (ON-LABEL)
Treatment of signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement)
BRAND NAME Flomax
DRUG CLASS
Prostate (alpha-adrenergic blocking)
DESCRIPTION
This drug increases smooth muscle tone in the prostate and the bladder neck, leading to improvement of urine flow and decreased symptoms associated with prostate enlargement.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, decreased libido, runny nose, sore throat, increased cough, sinusitis, diarrhea, nausea, abnormal ejaculation, infection, back pain, chest pain, orthostatic hypotension (sudden drop in blood pressure).
CAUTIONS
Not intended for use as a blood pressure medication.
Marked orthostatic hypotension (sudden drop in blood pressure when standing from sitting or lying down position), syncope, and loss of consciousness may occur with first dose (especially in patients taking beta-blockers, diuretics, low sodium diets or taking large first doses).
Rarely, this drug class has been associated with priapism (painful erection).
Avoid rapid increase in dose.
Use with caution in patients with kidney or liver impairment.
Does not affect levels of PSA (prostate specific antigen), a marker test used to diagnose prostate cancer.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Cimetidine, digoxin, theophylline
FOOD INTERACTIONS
Take one half hour before the same meal each day.
HERBAL INTERACTIONS
Saw palmetto
PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
FDA Pregnancy Risk Category B. Not indicated for use in women. No data in breast milk.
