Flomax for Prostate: Benefits and Risks You Need to Know

Men who have an enlarged prostate gland can experience a weak urine stream and trouble urinating. A prescription drug called Flomax is used to treat these prostate symptoms.

Flomax is the brand name of the generic drug called tamsulosin. It belongs to a class of drugs called alpha blockers, and it works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate gland and bladder. Flomax is commonly used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate gland.

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Because the prostate gland sits just below the bladder, it can press on the tube that drains urine from the bladder as BPH progresses and the prostate becomes larger, according to the Mayo Clinic. This increased pressure on the tube and bladder results in a weak urine stream, a need to urinate frequently, and an inability to empty the bladder completely each time.

Flomax does not reverse or slow down the progression of an enlarged prostate gland, it only treats the urinary symptoms, says the Mayo Clinic. The BPH may continue to get worse despite alleviation of symptoms and surgery may still be required at some point in time.

Like most prescription medications, the benefits come with possible side effects. Everyday Health says the most common side effect of Flomax is headache, but it also lists these other potential side effects:

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• Dizziness upon standing due to sudden drop in blood pressure
• Joint pain
• Runny nose
• Trouble ejaculating
• Infection
• Decreased sex drive

Everyday Health cautions patients to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Flomax since it can make dizziness worse. Because of possible dizziness, patients should be careful when driving a car or getting up from a sitting or laying position. Mayo Clinic also warns that some patients can have a severe allergic reaction to Flomax resulting in swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or unexplained blistering of the skin, and you should contact your doctor immediately if this occurs.

Flomax can have adverse interactions with may other prescription medications and even herbal supplements, so you should discuss all drugs you are taking and your personal situation with your physician before taking Flomax.

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