TAMSULOSIN (Flomax) is used to treat enlargement of the prostate gland in men (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). It is not for use in women. Tamsulosin works by relaxing muscles in the prostate and bladder neck at the site of the obstruction. This improves urine flow and reduces BPH symptoms.

Always take tamsulosin capsules by mouth after a meal, about 30 minutes after the same meal every day. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules whole with a drink of water; do not crush, chew, or open capsules. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

Rare or uncommon:; difficulty breathing, shortness of breath; prolonged painful erection of the penis (priapism)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):; back pain; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; sexual problems (ejaculation problems or decreased sex drive); headache; insomnia; nausea; runny or stuffy nose.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Tamsulosin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

Dizziness is most likely to occur at the start of therapy and when rising from a sitting or lying position. Use caution and rise slowly to avoid falling.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase dizziness caused by tamsulosin.

? Before taking tamsulosin, talk to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

? You may not be able to take tamsulosin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

? Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with tamsulosin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you stop taking tamsulosin for several days or more, restart treatment at one capsule a day, after consulting with your prescriber or health care professional.

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature below 20 degrees-25 degrees C (68 degrees-77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.