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Flomax CR (tamsulosin) is most commonly used to aid with urination in men who have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), more commonly known as an enlarged prostate. The medication is also used to help pass kidney stones and, in some circumstances, to aid in urination when difficultly urinating is not due to prostate enlargement. In the latter two conditions Flomax CR may be used in women.

The CR in this product's name stands for controlled release, meaning the medication is released slowly over the course of the day. This is beneficial in that it means tablets only need to be taken once per day, but it does carry the drawback that tablets cannot be split, crushed and mixed in food, or otherwise damaged; patients who are unable to swallow whole tablets will need to speak with a doctor about alternative options.

Getting Started with Flomax CR

Flomax CR works by relaxing muscles along the urethra, alleviating symptoms of:

• Difficulty urinating
• Inability to fully empty the bladder
• Weak urine stream
• Urgent urination
• Frequent urination
• Waking up to urinate

Note that while Flomax CR helps reduce symptoms of BPH, it does not treat the condition itself; it will not reduce the size of the prostate or slow its enlargement.

Flomax CR tablets come in only one strength; 0.4 mg. Treatment is similar in all conditions:

• Start with one tablet (0.4 mg) taken once per day for 2 to 4 weeks.
• If desired results are not seen after 2 to 4 weeks, dosage may be increased to two tablets (0.8 mg) taken once per day.
• Tablets should be taken about 30 minutes after a meal.
• Tablets should be taken at the same time each day.
• If a dose is missed, it should be skipped entirely; do not take a double dose to compensate.
• If doses are missed for several consecutive days, treatment should restart at the lower 0.4 mg dose for several weeks.

It takes 2 to 4 weeks of treatment with Flomax CR before maximum benefit will be seen, though many patients notice some improvements sooner.

Important Considerations

Flomax CR lowers blood pressure, though it's not used as a treatment for high blood pressure. Patients taking other medications to lower blood pressure or who are at risk of experiencing lower blood pressure should use Flomax CR with caution. Patients starting treatment or increasing dosage may experience side effects related to lowered blood pressure, such as dizziness or fatigue. These effects typically stop happening as the body adjusts to treatment over the course of a few weeks.

Other medications that influence urination should also be used with caution while taking Flomax CR, including over-the-counter supplements. Speak with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing these types of medications.

Taking Flomax CR can cause complications in patients undergoing eye surgery, even if treatment stopped months prior to the surgery. Ophthalmologists performing the surgery should be notified ahead of time so they may be prepared in case these complications are encountered.

Individuals with sulfa allergies are at increased risk of experiencing an allergic reaction to Flomax CR, even though it is not a sulfa medication. Warning signs included swelling in the face, tongue or throat; skin redness, rash, blistering or peeling; difficulty breathing; pounding or erratic heartbeat. These symptoms warrant emergency medical attention.