Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Flomax CR (Tamsulosin).
Allergy: Some people who are allergic to sulfonamide antibiotics also experience allergic reactions to Flomax CR (Tamsulosin). Before you take Flomax CR (Tamsulosin), inform your doctor about any previous adverse reactions you have had to medications, especially sulfamethoxazole. Contact your doctor at once if you experience signs of an allergic reaction such as skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face and throat.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Flomax CR (Tamsulosin) may cause drowsiness or dizziness, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid these and other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Flomax CR (Tamsulosin) affects you.
Eye surgery: During eye surgery for Cataracts, people who take or have taken Flomax CR (Tamsulosin) are at risk for developing a condition called Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS). This condition can lead to eye damage. If you are planning to have an operation on your eye, inform your doctor if you are taking or have taken Flomax CR (Tamsulosin). Your surgeon may advise you to temporarily stop taking the medication before the surgery.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Flomax CR (Tamsulosin) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Flomax CR (Tamsulosin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Flomax CR (Tamsulosin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Orthostatic hypotension: People taking Flomax CR (Tamsulosin) may experience orthostatic hypotension, which is Low Blood Pressure upon arising. If you experience dizziness or weakness, sit or lie down until the symptoms have disappeared. Fainting is the most severe symptom of orthostatic hypotension. If you experience fainting, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Priapism: Flomax CR (Tamsulosin) may cause priapism, which is a painful and persistent erection of the penis that is unrelieved by sexual activity. This condition can lead to damage to the penis or impotence if it is not treated quickly. If you suspect that you have these symptoms, call your doctor or go to the emergency room as soon as possible.
Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer and BPH cause many of the same symptoms. These two diseases frequently coexist. An evaluation should be done to rule out prostate cancer before Flomax CR (Tamsulosin) therapy is started.
Pregnancy: Flomax CR (Tamsulosin) is not recommended for women, including pregnant women.
Breast-feeding: Flomax CR (Tamsulosin) is not recommended for women, including breast-feeding women.
Children: Flomax CR (Tamsulosin) is not recommended for children.
