Side Effects

Possible side effects may include:

  • Decreased blood pressure when changing positions. FLOMAX capsules may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, especially after the first dose or when changing doses. Symptoms may include:
    • fainting
    • dizziness
    • lightheadedness

Change positions slowly from lying down to sitting up or from sitting to a standing position until you learn how you react to FLOMAX capsules. If you begin to feel dizzy, sit or lie down until you feel better. If the symptoms are severe or do not improve, call your doctor.

  • Allergic reactions. Make your doctor aware of any allergic reactions you may experience while taking FLOMAX.
    Allergic reactions include:
    • rash
    • itching
    • hives
  • Rare and more serious allergic reactions may also include:
    • swelling of the face, tongue or throat
    • difficulty breathing

Get medical help right away if you have swelling of the face, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing.

  • A painful erection that will not go away. FLOMAX capsules can cause a painful erection (priapism), which cannot be relieved by having sex. If this happens, get medical help right away. If priapism is not treated, you may not be able to get an erection in the future.
  • Eye problems during cataract surgery. During cataract surgery, a condition called intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) can happen if you take or have taken FLOMAX. If you need to have cataract surgery, be sure to tell your surgeon if you take or have taken FLOMAX.

Common side effects of FLOMAX may include:

  • runny nose
  • dizziness
  • decreased semen

These are not all the possible side effects with FLOMAX. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088, or by visiting www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What should I avoid while taking FLOMAX?

Avoid driving, operating machinery, or other dangerous activities, until you know how FLOMAX affects you. FLOMAX capsules may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, especially after the first dose or when changing doses.

What should I tell my doctor before using FLOMAX?

Before taking FLOMAX, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions including:

  • any kidney or liver problems.
  • any history of low blood pressure.
  • any allergies to sulfa or any other medicines.
  • if you are planning to have cataract surgery.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including:

  • any prescription medicines, including blood pressure medicines.
  • any non-prescription medicines, including vitamins and herbal supplements.

Some of your other medicines may affect the way FLOMAX works. Especially tell your doctor if you take a medicine for high blood pressure. You should not take FLOMAX if you are already taking certain blood pressure medicines.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them and show it to your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

When taking FLOMAX, avoid driving or hazardous tasks until you know how FLOMAX will affect you, especially after your first dose or change in dose, as a sudden drop in blood pressure may occur, rarely resulting in fainting. If considering cataract surgery, tell your eye surgeon you’ve taken FLOMAX. Only your doctor can tell if you have BPH, not a more serious condition like prostate cancer.

Can I take FLOMAX while I'm using other medications?

FLOMAX can be taken with these common antihypertensive (high blood pressure) and cardiovascular (heart disease) medications without dosage adjustment:

  • atenolol
  • enalapril
  • nifedipine

However, there are some medications that should be used with caution when taking FLOMAX, such as:

  • warfarin (a blood-thinning medication also known as Coumadin®)
  • cimetidine (a medication that treats ulcers)

Always tell your doctor what prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and/or dietary supplements you are taking. This is important so that your doctor can avoid prescribing medications that may negatively interact with each other.

Coumadin® is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

Important Safety Information
Flomax® (tamsulosin HCl) capsules is approved to treat male urinary symptoms due to BPH, an enlarged prostate. Only your doctor can tell if you have BPH, not a more serious condition like prostate cancer. When taking FLOMAX, avoid driving or hazardous tasks until you know how FLOMAX will affect you, especially after your first dose or change in dose, as a sudden drop in blood pressure may occur, rarely resulting in fainting. Tell your doctor about all medications you take. If considering cataract surgery, tell your eye surgeon if you've taken FLOMAX. Common side effects are runny nose, dizziness, and decrease in semen.

Before taking FLOMAX capsules, please see the full Prescribing Information and Patient Information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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