Flomax

Note: This document contains side effect information about tamsulosin. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Flomax.

Common side effects of Flomax include: dizziness, nasal congestion, paranasal sinus congestion, rhinitis, rhinorrhea, and seasonal allergic rhinitis. Other side effects include: drowsiness. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

Applies to tamsulosin: oral capsule

Along with its needed effects, tamsulosin (the active ingredient contained in Flomax) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking tamsulosin:

More common

• Cough or hoarseness
• fever or chills
• lower back or side pain
• painful or difficult urination

Less common

• Chest pain

Rare

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fainting
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• painful or prolonged erection of the penis
• sensation of spinning

Incidence not known

• Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• blurred vision
• confusion
• diarrhea
• difficult or labored breathing
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• itching
• joint or muscle pain
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• red, irritated eyes
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• sweating
• tightness of the chest
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects of tamsulosin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Abnormal ejaculation
• back pain
• body aches or pain
• congestion
• headache
• lack or loss of strength
• sneezing
• stuffy or runny nose
• tender, swollen glands in the neck
• trouble swallowing
• voice changes

Less common

• Decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• decreased sexual drive or performance
• drowsiness
• inability to have or keep an erection
• increased cough
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• nausea
• pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• tooth disorder
• trouble sleeping

Incidence not known

• Constipation
• hives or welts, skin rash
• redness of the skin
• vomiting

Applies to tamsulosin: oral capsule

The most commonly reported side effects were abnormal ejaculation, influenza-like symptoms, headache, dizziness, and rhinitis.

Very common (10% or more): Infection (up to 10.8%)

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Flu like symptoms

Rare (less than 0.1%): Angioedema

Common (1% to 10%): Chest pain

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Orthostatic hypotension

Postmarketing reports: Palpitations, hypotension, atrial fibrillation, arrhythmia, tachycardia

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash, pruritus, urticaria

Postmarketing reports: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, skin desquamation

Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 21.1%), dizziness (up to 17.1%)

Common (1% to 10%): Somnolence, insomnia

Rare (less than 0.1%): Syncope

Frequency not reported: Vertigo

Very common (10% or more): Abnormal ejaculation (up to 18.1%)

Common (1% to 10%): Ejaculation disorders, including retrograde ejaculation and ejaculation failure

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Semen volume reduced, ejaculation delayed

Postmarketing reports: Priapism

Very common (10% or more): Rhinitis (up to 17.9%)

Common (1% to 10%): Pharyngitis, Increased cough, sinusitis

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nasal congestion

Postmarketing reports: Dyspnea, epistaxis

Common (1% to 10%): Back pain

Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, nausea, tooth disorder

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Constipation, vomiting

Frequency not reported: Dry mouth

Common (1% to 10%): Blurred vision

Postmarketing reports: Visual impairment, intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS)

Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, decreased libido

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Fatigue

Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia