Flomax is a prescription medicine that has been approved and licensed by the FDA for the treatment of enlarged prostates. The medical terms for an enlarged prostate include benign prostatic hyperplasia, benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH. Flomax is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

How It Works

This medication works like the common alpha blockers, it blocks the alpha-1 receptors. These receptors can be found throughout the body including the prostate. When alpha-1 receptors are blocked it allows the muscles to relax in the prostate and the bladder neck. Flomax is different from other prostate medications since it doesn't actively shrink the prostate as some other drugs do. However, the symptoms are quickly relieved with it when the muscles relax. This means that Flomax provides relief for the symptoms, but it isn't a cure for the condition.

Taking Flomax

This drug is taken by mouth as a capsule every day at least thirty minutes after a meal. You should take the whole capsule and never open, chew or crush the capsules. You should take the capsules at the same time each day so that you have an even level of the drug in your blood. You should always take Flomax, as prescribed since this helps it to work properly. If you stop taking it, prostate enlargement will return and you will not longer receive the benefits.

Side Effects

There are possible side effects with this drug as there is with all prescription medications. Although side effects won't be experienced by every individual taking. Rather the opposite is true, many people tolerate this drug very well. Most side effects that occur are minor and either have no necessary treatment or can easily be treated by your healthcare provider. The most common side effects of this drug include abnormal ejaculation, runny or stuffy nose, dizziness and infections including the cold or flu. There are a number of drugs that can interact with Flomax so you should tell your doctor of any medicines you are taking and they will make sure no interaction will occur.

Before you start taking Flomax there are several things you should tell your health care provider. If you have any allergies including foods, dyes, preservatives or sulfa then you should tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant or breastfeeding then you should also talk with your doctor before taking this drug. When telling your doctor about any medicines you are taking you should be sure to include both prescription and non-prescription medicines as well as vitamins and herbal supplements.