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How Does Flomax Work On Kidney Stones

Who Can And Can’t Take Tamsulosin

Tamsulosin 0.4mg Overview | Including Side Effects and Use for kidney stones

Tamsulosin can be taken by adults .

Do not give this medicine to children, unless on the advice of a specialist.

Tamsulosin is not suitable for some people. To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell a doctor if you:

  • have had an allergic reaction to tamsulosin or any other similar medicine in the past
  • have orthostatic hypotension, a form of low blood pressure that can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded when you stand up
  • have severe liver or kidney problems
  • are having eye surgery for cataracts or glaucoma

Lab Grade Chanca Piedra

The herb is known as Phyllanthus niruri in the scientific world and has been used in many South American pharmacies for centuries as an effective targeted pain relief, help for passing kidney stones, and for prevention of new stone formation. In fact in many developed countries like Brazil a laboratory grade chanca piedra is available by prescription from a doctor. The literal translation of chanca piedra is stone breaker

What Are The Good And Bad Flomax Side Effects

August 3, 2018 By Side Effect Answers Team

If your doctor just wrote a new prescription for Flomax, youre probably wondering about the Flomax side effects you might experience. Older men frequently have issues with bladder dysfunction, difficulties urinating and an enlarged prostate. Flomax is a drug that helps ease these symptoms to provide at least some relief.

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How Common Are Kidney Stones

Researchers have concluded that about one in ten people will get a kidney stone during their lifetime. Kidney stones in children are far less common than in adults but they occur for the same reasons. Theyre four times more likely to occur in children with asthma than in children who dont have asthma.

Symptoms Of Kidney Stones

How Long For Flomax To Work

Many patients with small kidney stones do not display any symptoms throughout their lifetime.

In these cases, kidney stones are very small, and they eliminate without symptoms when patients urinate. However, when symptoms start to appear, they usually include pain, blood in the urine, and nausea with or without vomiting.;

Pain triggered by kidney stones is often located on the affected side of the spine, below the ribcage, which is why it is described as flank pain.

The nature of the pain is variable, and it often irradiates to the groin, testicles, labia majora, or the legs. It is a very intense pain, and it is often accompanied by profuse sweating, nausea, and vomiting.;

Not every case of kidney stones includes blood in the urine as a symptom. However, it is an important sign that the stone is passing through the urinary tract.

Other symptoms include a burning sensation while urinating and fever, especially when theres a urinary tract infection associated with an injury to the inner linings of the urinary tract .;

Also Check: Does Kidney Stone Pain Get Worse At Night

Heres What You Need To Know About The Off

If you see a lot of older male patients, its likely that youve often had a conversation about the ocular effects of Flomax , an oral medication for men who suffer from benign prostatic hypertrophy . Flomax, an alpha-1a blocker, decreases symptoms of BPH such as frequency, urgency, weak urine stream, difficulty in starting urine flow, dysuria and nocturia.

The decrease in BPH symptomatology observed with tamsulosin is directly related to the drugs ability to preferentially antagonize alpha-1a receptors and, therefore, relax smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck. Although other non-subtype alpha-1 blockers exist, tamsulosins affinity and selectivity for the alpha-1a receptor subtype results in superior efficacy in treating BPH without the hypotensive side effects common with less selective agents.1 Unfortunately, it also relaxes the iris dilator muscle, leading to miosis.

In recent years, the use of tamsulosin has expanded to off-label indications in both men and women. Here is an overview.;

Off-Label UsesThe most common off-label use of tamsulosin is to assist in the passage of kidney stones by increasing urinary fluid volume and pressure as well as relaxing smooth muscle in the ureters.2 Studies have verified that tamsulosin increases the expulsion rate of kidney stones while decreasing the time to expulsion and the need for adjunctive pain management, hospitalization and surgical intervention.3

Small Kidney Stones Usually Pass On Their Own

Small kidney stones are defined as being less than 5mm in size. These stones are normally able to pass through the urinary tract on their own.;Depending on the circumstances, it is generally safe to wait as long as four to six weeks for a small kidney stone to pass out of the body. However, if an infection develops, or urine flow becomes blocked, intervention will be required.

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Psychological Flomax Side Effects

Patients taking Flomax have reported suffering from major depression while on the drug. Those same patients reported stress and anxiety as other top Flomax side effects. However, this may not be a Flomax side effect but rather caused by the normal incidence of depression in the general population.

What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Flomax

Tamsulosin in renal colic patients

Whether or not a medication like tamsulosin works is not the only thing that should be considered when a patient is looking at what treatment would best suit them.

It is also crucial for the individual to consider potential side-effects that can be experienced while using the drug.

Flomax has quite a few adverse reactions. This is a concerning factor and a critical reason why male patients need to pay close attention to the dosage instructions provided by their doctor.

Taking the drug exactly as prescribed may help to reduce the risk of these side-effects. A doctor will also be able to assess as a patient and determine if the risk of side-effects is too great.

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What The Research Says

According to various clinical trials performed over the years, elimination is more efficient with Flomax for ureteral calculi located in the distal portion of the ureters.; This is the area where there is a higher concentration of alpha-adrenergic receptors .

Studies have evaluated the use of tamsulosin in patients with acute renal colic.

The results show that patients receiving tamsulosin in the emergency room have a lower requirement of pain medication and anesthetics. They also have a significant reduction in their hospital stay and lower the need for surgical removal .

These results of applying Flomax in the treatment of kidney stones may even lead to an estimated reduction of 29% in frequency of visits to the emergency department and a 24% reduction in healthcare expenses .;

The 2016 American Urological Association guidelines for the management of stones indicates that alpha-blockers may be beneficial for stones that are less than 10mm.; However, research is not conclusive on the use of tamsulosin in the treatment of kidney stones.

Recent research in the Journal of the American Medical Association concludes that tamsulosin was not effective in increasing the passage time for stones less than 9mm when compared with placebo.

Why Choose Flomax To Treat Your Urinary Symptoms

There are several drugs that doctors may offer a patient who presents with symptoms generally linked to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Each drug works in its own way to assist in reducing the severity of the symptoms that the patient is experiencing.

Some drugs may come with more side effects than others, however, which is why some doctors prefer the use of specific medicine for people with an enlarged prostate.

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How Can I Prevent Kidney Stones

There are several ways to decrease your risk of kidney stones, including:

  • Drink water. Drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses every day . Staying hydrated helps you urinate more often, which helps flush away the buildup of the substances that cause kidney stones. If you sweat a lot, be sure to drink even more.
  • Limit salt. Eat less sodium. You may want to connect with a dietician for help with planning what foods you eat.
  • Lose weight. If youre overweight, try to lose some pounds. Talk to your healthcare provider about an ideal weight.
  • Take prescriptions. Your healthcare provider may prescribe some medications that help prevent kidney stones. The type of medication may depend on the type of stones you get.

What Is Tamsulosin

How Long For Flomax To Work

As I looked at my prescription, the brand name was Flomax but the active ingredient is Tamsulosin HCl. It turns out that this prescription drug is used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia which means an non cancerous enlargement of the prostate. It is also used for helping to pass kidney stones as well as to help empty out the bladder when one cant do it alone.

Tamsulosin works is by relaxing bladder neck muscles and muscle fibers in the prostate so you can urinate more freely. In science terms, Tamsulosin is an alpha blocker. When alpha 1 receptors in the bladder;and;prostate are blocked, this causes a relaxation in smooth muscle and therefore less resistance to urinary flow. The most common prescription is for;Tamsulosin 0.4 mg capsules. If this medication doesnt work then you need different medical treatment options such as Lithotripsy which uses shock waves and ureteroscope which is inserted through the urinary tract.

Also Check: What Eases Kidney Stone Pain

How To Take It

Swallow your tamsulosin capsules or tablets whole with a glass of water.

Do not break, chew or crush them.

If you can, take tamsulosin in the morning, after breakfast or the first meal or snack of the day. This is so the highest levels of medicine are in your body during the day and gives you the most benefit when you are most likely trying to pee.

It’s best to take it at about the same time each day.

Precautions When Taking Flomax

Individuals who are allergic to sulfa drugs, which treat a wide variety of conditions, should use caution when taking Flomax. In addition, those who have low blood pressure should speak with their doctor, because taking this medication could make the condition worse, causing dizziness and fainting. If you have severe liver or kidney disease, you should not take Flomax, warns the Mayo Clinic310. These conditions could affect the way the medication is removed from the body.

Flomax has the potential to interfere with a large number of medications to include warfarin and vasodilators, so it is imperative to speak with your doctor about any current medications you may be taking.

  • Individuals who are allergic to sulfa drugs, which treat a wide variety of conditions, should use caution when taking Flomax.
  • Flomax has the potential to interfere with a large number of medications to include warfarin and vasodilators, so it is imperative to speak with your doctor about any current medications you may be taking.

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What If I Forget To Take It

If you miss a dose of tamsulosin, and you remember within 6 hours, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s more than 6 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time the next day.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you.

You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

Prevention Of Kidney Stones

Kidney Stone Treatments

If you are trying to prevent a single occurrence of a kidney stone or reduce the chances of developing another stone, there are some lifestyle modifications to consider.

  • Pay attention to urine color the darker the urine, the more dehydrated you are. Drink plenty of fluids to constantly flush fluids out of your kidneys to help prevent minerals from depositing there. The National Kidney Foundation recommends at least 12 glasses per day and more if you are out in the heat.;
  • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables 1. Diets high in animal protein may produce more acid in the urine, increasing the chance for stones. Fruits and vegetables are high in water, which can help flush out the kidneys.;
  • Reduce the amount of salt in your diet. Higher amounts of sodium in the body can increase the chance of developing a kidney stone.;
  • If you are trying to prevent a single occurrence of a kidney stone or reduce the chances of developing another stone, there are some lifestyle modifications to consider.
  • Fruits and vegetables are high in water, which can help flush out the kidneys.; * Reduce the amount of salt in your diet.

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What Are Some Of The Flomax Side Effects In Women

Unfortunately, woman are at risk for side effects when taking men’s Tamsulosin medication, including Flomax.

Some of these Flomax side effects in women include:

  • Back pain
  • Skin rash
  • Sore throat

These problematic side effects may make some women think twice about the pills they are putting in their mouths.

Caveats: This Trial Included Fewer Women Than Previous Studies

The SUSPEND study included a smaller proportion of women than previously published case series due to a need for a diagnostic CT KUB, which excluded more women than men due to radiation concerns. However, the proportion of women was balanced across all groups in this trial, and there was no evidence that sex impacted the efficacy of treatment for the primary outcome.

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Further Treatment Options For Kidney Stones

There are plenty of therapeutic strategies for kidney stones. And there are both pharmacological and surgical options to choose from. However, this depends on the size and location of the calculi .;

Thiazide diuretics: They are commonly prescribed to encourage the urinary flow and reduction of urinary calcium that may reduce the recurrence of kidney stones in individual patients .;

Potassium citrate: Should encourage in calcium stone-forming patients to reduce the risk of kidney stone recurrence. It also increases the urinary pH and reduces the formation of uric acid stones. Potassium supplementation may also be required when thiazide diuretics are prescribed .;

Allopurinol: A drug employed to reduce the production and accumulation of uric acid. Doctors may prescribe it to patients with kidney stones, normal urinary calcium, and high levels of uric acid in the urine .;

Dietary modifications: Patients are often encouraged to increase liquid intake throughout the day, reduce sodium consumption and non-dairy animal protein, aiming at 1,000 to 1,200 mg of dietary calcium per day. Reducing the use of oxalate-rich foods is more important than reducing the consumption of calcium sources .;

Ask Dr H: Flomax Prescribed To Help Patient Pass Kidney Stone

How Does Flomax Work for Kidney Stones?

Question: I’m a 38-year-old woman who recently went to the hospital for left-side pain that turned out to be a 4mm kidney stone. What was surprising was that the doctor in the emergency room sent me home with a prescription for Flomax to help the stone pass.

Question:

I’m a 38-year-old woman who recently went to the hospital for left-side pain that turned out to be a 4mm kidney stone. What was surprising was that the doctor in the emergency room sent me home with a prescription for Flomax to help the stone pass.

When I went to fill the prescription, my insurance plan wouldn’t pay for it because I’m a woman and Flomax is only FDA-approved for treating a man’s prostate. The stone eventually did pass without the Flomax, but have you ever heard of using it for kidney stones?

Answer: Yes. Doctors are now using the male prostate drug Flomax to aid in the passage of kidney stones – even in women. While it’s not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for that use, it’s a widely used and proven kidney-stone treatment.

At least nine clinical trials in the literature show that beyond the usual advice of increasing fluid intake and straining the urine to capture the stone, Flomax and the calcium-channel blocker blood pressure drug nifedipine decrease the spasm of smooth muscle cells lining the junction where the two kidney ureter tubes connect with the bladder, aiding in the passage of kidney stones.

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Blue skin resulting from use of liquid silver

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Complications From Taking Flomax

In addition to considering the potential side-effects of Flomax, patients also need to consider other complications that may come from the regular use of tamsulosin.

These complications can sometimes be quite harmful. In fact, certain complications that have been linked to Flomax may cause permanent damage to some regions of the patients body including the penis.

Medications Not To Take With Flomax

When taking a new medication, you should always check with your doctor about possible interactions with other medicines youre taking, certain drugs are known to interact poorly with Flomax. Patients with an allergy to sulfa drugs can experience an increased allergic reaction as a Flomax side effect. If youre already taking similar medicines such as doxazosin , silodosin , prazosin , terazosin , alfuzosin , you cant take Flomax at the same time.

Because some medications affect how the body removes Flomax they also affect how it works. These drugs include HIV protease inhibitors , ribociclib, boceprevir, clarithromycin, cobicistat and azole antifungals .

Drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction could interact with Flomax to reduce your blood pressure below a safe level. Low blood pressure can lead to dizziness and fainting. Work with your doctor to adjust dosages as needed.

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Whats The Urinary Tract How Does It Work

Your urinary tract is vital to your body because it gets rid of waste and extra fluid. Its made up of both your kidneys, two ureters, your bladder and your urethra. Each organ has an important job :

  • Kidneys: Your fist-sized, bean-shaped kidneys are located on either side of your spine, below your rib cage. Each day they filter 120 to 150 quarts of your blood to remove waste and balance fluids. Your kidneys make one to two quarts of urine every day.
  • Ureters: After your kidney creates urine, the liquid travels through the tube-shaped ureter to the bladder. There is one ureter per kidney. Kidney stones can pass through the ureters or, if theyre too big, get stuck in them. You may require surgery if the stone is too large.
  • Bladder: Between your hip bones is your bladder, an organ that stores urine. It stretches to hold about one and a half to two cups.
  • Urethra: Like a ureter, your urethra is a tube through which urine passes. Its the final stop of the urinary tract where your urine leaves your body. This is called urination.

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