Flomaxtra XL (tamsulosin) is a medication used to improve urination in men who have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), more commonly known as an enlarged prostate. Less commonly it is sometimes used in patients with kidney stones or in others who have difficulty urinating unrelated to BPH.

The XL in this product's name indicates it's the extended-release version of the medication, taken just once per day. Tablets must swallowed whole, not split, chewed, or otherwise damaged, as this will destroy the XL properties.

Flomaxtra XL is not a cure for any of the conditions it treats. Other medications, such as Adovart for BPH, are often also given to address the underlying issue.

What It Does

The medication works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and around the bladder and urethra, making urine easier to pass. It helps resolve symptoms like:

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

While Flomaxtra XL can offer tremendous benefit in restoring easy urination, if the underlying issue is not addressed the medication will likely gradually become less effective as time goes on and the prostate continues to grow. There is also some personal variance; some men with very large prostates have little trouble urinating, while others with only marginally-enlarged prostates can have a lot of difficulty.

How to Take

Flomaxtra XL only comes in tablets of 0.4 mg, taken just once per day. Men who have dosage increased---usually to 0.8 mg per day---should simply take two tablets instead of one.

For best results tablets should be taken about 30 minutes after a meal, and ideally taken at the same time each day to keep levels of the medication consistent in the body.

In other words:

• 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.

Many men will start noticing improvements in urination within days of starting treatment, but it takes 2 to 4 weeks for maximum benefit to be seen. Treatment may continue for as long as it provides benefit, which often spans years.

Again Flomaxtra XL will not help address prostate size; it will not shrink the prostate or slow its growth. Other medications or medical procedures that do address prostate size will likely be recommended while Flomaxtra XL is being taken.

Potential Complications

Though not a sulfa medication, individuals with a history of allergic reaction to sulfa drugs are more likely to have an allergic reaction to Flomaxtra XL. These patients should use Flomaxtra XL with extreme caution, if at all. Allergic reactions warrant immediate medical attention.

Flomaxtra XL will also lower blood pressure to some degree, which can be concerning to patients taking other medications that lower blood pressure or who have low blood pressure to begin with. Any patient may experience symptoms related to the lowering of blood pressure at the start of treatment, even if blood pressure is still in the normal ranges. Symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Mild fatigue
• Clammy skin
• Tingling in extremities
• Blurry vision
• Difficulty concentrating

Provided the above are mild they're not cause for concern, and should stop occurring in the first week or two of treatment. If severe or persistant, speak with a doctor.

Flomaxtra XL 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.

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

Flomaxtra XL should not be administered to patients of either gender if below age 18. Effects on still-developing young bodies are unclear.