Flomaxtra XL

Flomaxtra XL tablets contain the active ingredient tamsulosin hydrochloride, which is a type of alpha-blocker. Tamsulosin works by blocking alpha receptors that are found in the muscle in the prostate gland. Flomaxtra XL is prescribed to relieve the urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland. It causes the muscle in the prostate and the neck of the bladder to relax, which relieves pressure on the urethra and allows urine to flow freely past the prostate gland. This makes it easier to pass urine and empty the bladder.

Flomaxtra XL tablets contain the active ingredient tamsulosin hydrochloride, which is a type of alpha-blocker. Tamsulosin works by blocking alpha receptors that are found in the muscle in the prostate gland. Flomaxtra XL is prescribed to relieve the urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland. It causes the muscle in the prostate and the neck of the bladder to relax, which relieves pressure on the urethra and allows urine to flow freely past the prostate gland. This makes it easier to pass urine and empty the bladder.

Flomaxtra XL is used to treat men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition in elderly men. An enlarged prostate can cause urinary problems such as difficulty in getting the urine flow started, difficulties while urinating, dribbling at the end of urination, or being unable to fully empty the bladder. Because of increased pressure on the bladder, men with BPH can experience a sensation that they need to pass urine constantly.

Flomaxtra XL should be taken once a day. The tablets should not be broken, crushed or chewed. Flomaxtra XL are prolonged-release tablets, designed to release the active ingredient gradually, so that a steady amount of medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream throughout the day. If you forget to take a dose at your usual time, take it the following day as soon as you remember. Never take a double dose to make up for the one you have forgotten. Excessive use of Flomaxtra XL can cause low blood pressure. If you have taken more than the recommended maximum daily dose, seek medical advice immediately.

The usual dose is one Flomaxtra tablet once a day, preferably at the same time. You can take the tablet with or without food, but do not break or crush it. If you miss a dose, you may take the Flomaxtra tablet later that day. If you forget entirely, continue to take your daily tablet from the next day – do not take a double dose to make up for the one you missed.

As with all medicines, Flomaxtra XL may cause side effects, although of course not everybody will get them.

Common side effects include:

• Dizziness (particularly when moving from a lying or sitting position to sitting or standing);
• A drop in blood pressure (particularly when standing up from a sitting or lying position);
• Sleepiness.

Flomaxtra XL should not be used if:

• you are hypersensitive or allergic to the active ingredient tamsulosin hydrochloride or any other ingredient in Flomaxtra XL (see the package leaflet for ingredients);
• you are hypersensitive or allergic to alpha blockers;
• you have a history of drops in blood pressure that cause dizziness when getting up from sitting or lying down (postural hypotension).

See the package leaflet for a full list of side effects.

Flomaxtra XL may cause dizziness and so may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.

The consumption of large amounts of alcohol may intensify the side effects of Flomaxtra XL. It is therefore advisable to limit your alcohol intake while taking this medicine.