Enlarged prostate, which is medically known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), is a common disease among men by the age of 70 years. Approximately 3 of 4 men in this age group suffer from various symptoms of BPH such as difficulty in starting urination, a weak flow of urine and the urgency to urine frequently. A widespread medication for the effective treatment of BPH is Tamsulosin Hydrochloride which is marketed under the US brand name Flomax. Its popularity has significantly increased in the recent past with sales revenues of more than $ 1 billion.

Flomax (Tamsulosin) works as an antagonist of alpha1A adrenoceptors in the prostate. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate occurs in older men. As the prostate increases in size, the muscle cells within the prostate gland and the neck of the bladder that regulates urine flow get tighten up. This leads to squeezing of the urethra which is the channel to carry urine from the bladder to the penis. So, the patients will face difficulty in urinating and retaining urine inside the bladder. Flomax (Tamsulosin) inhibits the effects of a chemical pertaining to epinephrine (adrenalin) on the muscle cells and causes the tightened muscle cells to get relaxed. Ultimately, you’ll have free flow of urine due to decrease in blockage.

Administered orally in 0.2 or 0.4 mg strength, each Flomax capsule or tablet contains Tamsulosin Hydrochloride as its active ingredient and a number of inactive ingredients such as methacrylic acid copolymer dispersion NF, microcrystalline cellulose, triacetin, calcium stearate, talc, FD&C blue No. 2, titanium dioxide, ferric oxide, gelatin, and trace amounts black edible ink. Tamsulosin was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997. It works actively against the alpha adrenergic nerves of the prostate and bladder neck and causes fewer side effects in comparison to other alpha adrenergic blocking drugs.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Generic Flomax (Tamsulosin) is primarily indicated for the treatment of symptoms and conditions of BPH. It is also indicated for the passage of kidney stones in occasional cases using the same mechanism of relaxing the muscle cells through alpha antagonism. However, Flomax capsules are not indicated for the treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure.

Flomax (Tamsulosin) therapy can be commenced at the optimum dose whereas other alpha adrenergic blocking drugs need to be administered at lower doses with the gradual increase in dosage over a period of time with the intention of reducing side effects. Generic Flomax capsules or tablets are usually taken in 0.4 mg once daily around half an hour after the same meal every day. The dosage can be increased to 0.8 mg in case of patients who don’t show any significant improvement in their conditions after 2 to 4 weeks dosing in 0.4 mg. if you discontinue the Tamsulosin treatment for several days, consult your doctor first before resuming the treatment. The doctor may prescribe you a lower dose to minimize side effects.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Flomax (Tamsulosin) is contraindicated in patients with history of hypersensitivity to Tamsulosin Hydrochloride or any other components of this generic drug.