Ranoprost (Flomax)

Flomax is an alpha-blocker. It works by relaxing muscles in the prostate and bladder, which helps to improve urine flow and reduce symptoms of BPH.

Therapeutic actions:
Tamsulosin is in a group of drugs called alpha-adrenergic (AL-fa ad-ren-ER-jik) blockers. Tamsulosin relaxes veins and arteries so that blood can more easily pass through them. It also relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.

What is it used for?:
Flomax is used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate - a condition technically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. The walnut-sized prostate gland surrounds the urethra (the duct that drains the bladder). If the gland becomes enlarged, it can squeeze the urethra, interfering with the flow of urine. This can cause difficulty in starting urination, a weak flow of urine, and the need to urinate urgently or more frequently. Flomax doesn't shrink the prostate. Instead, it relaxes the muscle around it, freeing the flow of urine and decreasing urinary symptoms.

Contraindications and cautions:
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to tamsulosin, or if you are also taking any other alpha adrenergic blockers such as alfusozin (Uroxatral), doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), or Terazosin (Hytrin).
Before taking tamsulosin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have prostate cancer.
If you will be having cataract surgery, tell the surgeon that you are taking tamsulosin.
Although tamsulosin should not be used by women, this drug is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tamsulosin is not for use in children.

Side effects:
Serious side effects: penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer; severe dizziness; or fainting.
Less serious side effects: mild dizziness or drowsiness; sleep problems (insomnia); abnormal ejaculation, decreased sex drive; or runny or stuffy nose, sore throat.

Interactions:
• Alpha-blockers (eg, prazosin) or phosphodiesterase inhibitors (eg, sildenafil) used together with Flomax may provoke symptoms of low blood pressure (eg, severe dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting).
• Azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), cimetidine, or serotonin specific reuptake inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine) may increase the risk of Flomax 's side effects.
• Warfarin because the risk of side effects may be increased.