Reviewed by David Saiz, PharmD, October 8, 2023
Uses Mechanism of Action Active Ingredients How to Use Where to Buy Flomax? Interactions Side Effects
As men age, many begin to experience a range of urinary problems oftentimes caused by a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Also known as an enlarged prostate, this health issue affects approximately half of all men aged 51 to 60, and the likelihood of men over 80 developing BPH increases to a stunning 90 percent.
While not a life-threatening condition in itself, such non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland can seriously decrease the quality of a person’s life with its uncomfortable symptoms that include urinary frequency and urgency, weak stream, and difficulty emptying the bladder. Furthermore, if it goes untreated for a long time, BPH can potentially lead to complications like nasty urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and even permanent damage to the kidneys.
Luckily, there is a practical solution available. By buying a medication called Flomax through reputable and affordable Canadian pharmacies, men can access an effective and budget-friendly long-term treatment to manage various urinary symptoms and regain control over their bladder and their lives.
Identifying the Problem: When Is It Time to Take?
Urinary tract health can be a sensitive issue for men to talk about, but it is important to discuss this problem with the healthcare provider if any of the following symptoms appear and persist:
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Difficulty starting urination
- Weak urine flow
- Breaks in the urine stream
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder
- Painful urination
- Bladder incontinence
Flomax is a powerful and effective medication that can help curb the above symptoms and make the BPH condition more manageable. However, to determine the individual suitability of Flomax, patients should seek professional consultation with their doctor and undergo thorough testing before they start taking the drug.
The diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia usually involves taking a patient’s medical history, performing a physical examination, collecting urine samples and blood tests for analysis, and ordering imaging studies to get a better view of the prostate gland. In some rare cases, the doctor might order a procedure known as cystoscopy, which helps identify any blockages or structural issues, or suggest a prostate biopsy if there are further concerns regarding the possible malignancy of the enlargement.
How Generic Flomax Helps with BPH: Mechanism of Action
To understand how Flomax helps with reducing the bothersome symptoms of BPH, it is crucial to first look at what this condition does to the person’s prostate gland. In men affected by BPH, the prostate gland cells start to multiply uncontrollably, causing this walnut-sized organ to grow and press on the urethra, which it surrounds. With severely compressed and partially blocked urethra, men tend to experience a broad array of urinary symptoms that only get worse with time if left untreated and can sometimes lead to complications like infections, stones, acute urinary retention, and kidney damage.
Flomax belongs to the alpha-adrenergic blockers class of drugs. It works by inhibiting the effects of norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline) on alpha-adrenergic receptors found in the prostate gland. As a result, the smooth muscle tissue around the neck of the bladder and prostate relaxes, making urination easier. While Flomax or other alpha-blockers cannot cause the prostate to shrink in size, their regular use allows the urethra to pass urine more freely and reduces the discomfort associated with its compression.
Key Ingredients and How They Add to Its Effectiveness
The core active ingredient of the brand-name drug Flomax is tamsulosin. This selective alpha-adrenergic blocker is designed to target specific receptors in the prostate gland while producing minimal or no effects on other receptors located in blood vessel walls, which helps the drug perform its intended action without causing significant side effects related to blood pressure changes.
In addition to the main active component, medications like Flomax often contain several inactive ingredients that have no therapeutic effects on their own but are there to stabilize the action of the drug, protect the active ingredient, control its release in the body, aid in disintegration, and more. They are how the manufacturer ensures their medicine is safe, effective, and easy to administer. In the case of Flomax oral capsules, the formula contains the following inactive components: methacrylic acid copolymer, microcrystalline cellulose, triacetin, sodium lauryl sulfate, calcium stearate, and others.
How Much to Take and How to Use?
Recommended Flomax dosages for treating the symptoms of BPH may vary depending on the patient’s individual needs, limitations, and the specific characteristics of their condition. It is essential for the doctor to carefully evaluate these factors to determine the most appropriate dosage. The usual starting dose is 0.4mg per day. To achieve maximum treatment effect from taking Flomax, patients should carefully follow the doctor’s instructions and stick to the recommended drug administration schedule.
Here are some crucial recommendations regarding the use of Flomax for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia:
- Take Flomax by mouth 30 minutes after meal at the same time each day to improve the medication’s effectiveness and reduce the risk of side effects.
- Do not increase or decrease the dosage at your sole discretion without consulting the healthcare provider first.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose.
- It is common for Flomax to cause dizziness, especially at the start of the treatment course, so make sure to avoid rising too quickly from a sitting or lying position when you take the drug. Also, avoid exposing yourself to situations where you can hurt yourself if you suddenly faint.
If the patient’s condition does not improve after 4 weeks of taking Flomax, one is recommended to see their healthcare provider for further dosage adjustments.
Where to Buy Generic or Brand Flomax?
The cost of Flomax in Canada can vary depending on the pharmacy and region, typically falling between $0.85 and $1.57 per 0.4mg tablet. Another crucial factor influencing the price of this prescription drug is its manufacturer. For instance, 90 tablets of Flomax 0.4mg from Astellas Pharma, produced in Turkey, are priced at $76.99, while the same quantity of the medicine manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim in Canada is priced at $127.99.
Generic alternatives to the brand-name Flomax, such as APO-Tamsulosin CR tablets by Apotex Inc. or Tamsulosin Capsules by Ratio Pharma, which are produced in Canada or the UK, range in price from $29.09 to $91.99 for a pack of 90 or 100 pieces. Buying this medication online in Canada not only provides patients with access to cost-effective options but also allows them to select a store with the most favorable shipping and sales terms.
Which Drugs Unsafely Interact with Generic Flomax?
Before taking Flomax, men should talk to their doctor about any other drugs they may be taking. Some medications interact with Flomax and might require dosage adjustments or treatment changes. These include other alpha-blockers, PDE5 inhibitors, some cancer therapies, azole antifungals, and certain antibiotics and antiretroviral drugs. The licensed healthcare specialist can help assess the risks more carefully and determine if the benefits outweigh potential interactions or complications.
Side Effects
While taking Flomax for BPH, some patients report experiencing the following side effects: dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, a runny or stuffy nose, and occasional ejaculation issues. If these do not go away on their own or worsen over time, the patient is advised to consult with their doctor. Infrequently, there may be more severe adverse reactions to the drug, including fainting and priapism (prolonged painful erections). In extremely rare cases, severe allergic reactions can occur, whose symptoms include skin rash, itching, swelling, breathing difficulties, severe dizziness, or rapid heartbeat. If they notice any unusual symptoms, patients are to seek medical help promptly.
USAGE GUIDELINES FOR THIS INFORMATION
Please keep in mind that this is not the full description of the product, so some of the minor details could have been left out. Even though we try to provide you with accurate information, we cannot guarantee that this product will be suitable for you. Under no circumstances should this information be used instead of professional medical consultation. Speaking to your doctor is vital for getting an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.