Generic Flomax

Product Information
Flomax tablets medication

Flomax tablets medication is the most widely accepted branded alpha-blocker for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in the U.S. Generic Flomax tablets is a medication developed specifically to relieve the symptoms of BPH.

Generic Flomax tablets medication does this by relaxing muscles in the prostate and the neck of the bladder resulting in improved urine flow. This is like releasing a pinched straw, which makes it easier for urine to pass out of the body. This may result in reducing the symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

As with other alpha-adrenergic blocking medications, there is a potential risk of fainting. Patients beginning treatment with Flomax tablets medication should be cautioned to avoid situations where injury could result should fainting occur.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Information

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy, is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, a small gland that encircles the urethra in males and produces a fluid that makes up part of semen. As the volume of the prostate increases, it can put pressure on the urethra, causing a slowdown in the urine stream, hesitancy in urinating, a frequent and urgent need to urinate, and sometimes dribbling of urine at the end of the flow. It can also cause urine retention, which can weaken the bladder muscle and increase the risk of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI) or kidney stones. In severe cases of BPH, urine may back up into and damage the kidneys. Rarely, BPH may prevent a patient from urinating at all, a situation that requires immediate medical attention.

BPH can also affect sexual functioning. It can lead to reduced sexual ability, painful orgasm, and impotence. The type and severity of symptoms experienced will vary from person to person and may vary over time. For many men, BPH never progresses beyond a minor to moderate annoyance; for others, it may represent a significant challenge to their quality of life. BPH becomes a very common condition in men as they age. According to the American Urology Association, about 50% of men will have some degree of BPH by the time they are 60 years old, and up to 90% will be affected by age 80. While BPH does not cause prostate cancer, both may be found together.

Causes of B PH

The cause of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is unknown. It is possible that the condition is associated with hormonal changes that occur as men age. The testes produce the hormone testosterone, which is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and estradiol (estrogen) in certain tissues. High levels of dihydrotestosterone, a testosterone derivative involved in prostate growth, may accumulate and cause hyperplasia. How and why levels of DHT increase remains a subject of research.

Signs and Symptoms of B PH

Common symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia include the following:

• Blood in the urine (i.e., hematuria), caused by straining to void
• Dribbling after voiding
• Feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely after urination
• Frequent urination, particularly at night (i.e., nocturia)
• Hesitant, interrupted, or weak urine stream caused by decreased force
• Leakage of urine (i.e., overflow incontinence)
• Pushing or straining to begin urination
• Recurrent, sudden, urgent need to urinate

In severe cases of BPH, another symptom, acute urinary retention (the inability to urinate), can result from holding urine for a long time, alcohol consumption, long period of inactivity, cold temperatures, allergy or cold medications containing decongestants or antihistamines, and some prescription drugs (e.g., ipratropium bromide, albuterol, epinephrine). Any of these factors can prevent the urinary sphincter from relaxing and allowing urine to flow out of the bladder. Acute urinary retention causes severe pain and discomfort. Catheterization may be necessary to drain urine from the bladder and obtain relief.

Treatment of B PH

There are several treatment options for men with benign prostate hyperplasia, depending on the severity of symptoms. If symptoms do not threaten the man's health, he may choose not to be treated. If symptoms are severe enough to cause discomfort, interfere with daily activities, or threaten health, treatment is usually recommended.

• Watchful waiting
  Men with mild symptoms may choose to return for annual examinations. The physician will perform an examination that includes a DRE, PSA tests, and a urinary flow rate. The patient will be asked to describe symptoms in order to determine if the condition is worsening.
•   Medication
  5-Alpha reductase inhibitors such as finasteride (Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart) prevent the conversion of testosterone to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In many cases, a treatment period of 6-month is necessary to see if the therapy is going to work. These drugs are taken orally, once a day.
• Alpha blockers relax smooth muscle tissue in the bladder neck and prostate, which increases urinary flow. They typically are taken orally, once or twice a day.

Commonly prescribed alpha blockers include the following: